Fire at Oxford children’s hospice as services closed

Helen & Douglas House hospice, a charity which provides hospice services to terminally ill children in Oxford, announced today (Thursday, June 25) there was a fire at its centre.

Helen House in Magdalen Road, suffered a ‘small fire’ on Friday, June 12, the charity said.

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It was reportedly ‘quickly and safely extinguished’ by firefighters on the scene, and no children, families or staff were injured.

A small area of the building was directly affected by the blaze, but the power supply to the hospice has been cut off as a result.

Helen & Douglas House hospice in Oxford (Image: Contributed)

Helen House has been closed to in-patient stays for until the power can be restored and the charity is ‘confident it is safe to reopen’.

A spokesperson for Helen & Douglas House said: “We know how important Helen House is to the children and families who rely on us, and we are doing everything we can to return to our usual in-patient service as soon as possible.

“If your planned stay is affected, we will contact you directly. 

“In the meantime we have secured alternative ways to provide in-patient care at Helen & Douglas House to families who need it during this time.

“If you have any questions or concerns, please email reception@helenanddouglas.org.uk.

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“Thank you for your patience, support and understanding.

“We are immensely grateful to the emergency services and our staff for their calm, swift response, and we look forward to welcoming children and families back to Helen & Douglas House very soon. ”

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue and Helen & Douglas House have been approached for comment.