A hospice is to close for more than two months due to a shortage of doctors just weeks before it new home.

Fair Havens Hospice in Chalkwell Avenue, Westcliff, which opened in 1982, has announced it will close to patients for “a minimum of nine weeks” after its palliative care consultant retired amid a national shortage of experts in the field.

Staff will be redeployed to care for people in their homes - and at its day centre in Westcliff.

Ellie Miller, director of care for Havens Hospices, said: “We have put a lot of time and work into preparing for this, working with our healthcare network to look at every viable option, and changing our model temporarily to ensure a sustainable care service for our community.

“This is the best solution to ensure our patients are still receiving the best possible end-of-life care, symptom control and respite, but within their homes - or day hospice if appropriate - rather than the existing Fair Havens building.”

The charity says it will be using this as an opportunity to prepare for the changes ahead. A brand-new hospice is being built in Prittlewell, opposite Priory Park, and is due to open next spring. As well as 16 bedrooms, there will be a larger day hospice, more therapy and treatment rooms, a rehabilitation gym and a bistro for patients, families and visitors.

Ms Miller added: “Learning to deliver care in a new building, with systems and technology that we have not used before, will take time and practice in order to feel confident and demonstrate competence.

“Also, transferring patient care during a phased opening of a new hospice is not unusual practice. It means that staff can re-adjust to new ways of working. It allows us to say goodbye to the old building and models of care. Many staff have strong emotional connections with the old building, having worked here since the early days.”

Local healthcare organisations, including those who may refer patients for hospice care, have been informed of these changes and conversations have taken place with patients and families who are currently within the hospice to make alternative plans if appropriate.