Two hospice charities have announced a proposal to merge in a bid to increase the amount of care it can offer the community.

Peace Hospice Care and Rennie Grove plan to merge on October 1 and become Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.

The charities, which work across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, say the goal is to deliver “better outcomes” by working together, as well as work on future development and expansion.

Stewart Marks, chief executive of Rennie Grove, said: “With the number of people needing more complex end-of-life care rising every year, we must be ready to change and adapt to ensure that resources are used in the most effective ways. 

“By merging, we will be able to pool our resources to reach many more people with even better care. Our wonderful local community raises most of the cost of running our services so it’s important that we repay this incredible generosity by making sure we are always meeting the changing needs of everyone in the community.

“We believe that this merger will allow us to do that.”

Watford Observer: Peace Hospice Care in WatfordPeace Hospice Care in Watford

The hospices’ say its current services will continue as usual but the aim is to provide and develop a wider range of services and strengthen resources in the hope of ensuring every people who needs care receives it.

Dr Jeremy Shindler, chair of trustees at Peace Hospice Care, said: “With palliative care we have just one chance to get it right and we are determined to do what is needed to ensure that happens for people in the areas we serve in Herts and Bucks.”

The merger is subject to final approval of both the Charity Commission and the members of Rennie Grove and is planned to take effect from target date October 1 2022.

Rennie Grove chief executive Mr Marks is set to be appointed chief executive of the proposed new organisation with Dr Shindler given the chairman role.

Peace Hospice Care chief executive Jackie Tritton will be the chief clinical officer. It has also been confirmed that Stephen Spiro, the chairman of trustees at Rennie Grove, will retire when the merger takes effect.