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Fundraising News
Transforming the service we offer: our exciting building development plans
Offering places for up to 15 patients a day, the Day Care Centre was built 11 years ago and offers a range of services which help people suffering from life-limiting illnesses live independently at home for as long as they wish and are able. The hospice’s Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Lymphoedema, Art Therapy and Complementary Therapy services are also based in the same area. “Several years ago, we recognised that the Day Care Centre was becoming unfit for purpose,” comments Hospice Chief Executive, Jayne Bessant. “As we all know, our society is continuing to age and people are developing increasingly complex needs. At the same time, there are many positive developments in the treatment of life-limiting illnesses. However, our existing Day Care Centre is severely restricting our ability to respond.” “Space is the biggest single issue, limiting the number of patients who can be seen and the activities that can be offered, as well as reducing our ability to treat them in privacy and with the dignity they have every right to expect. Our Physiotherapy Team, for example, delivers its service in one small room which also doesn’t have the full range of equipment which patients need to help them build their strength and range of movement. Our Day Care team is brilliant and does great work but increasingly we have become aware that our building is working against rather than helping them.” The plan is to fully refurbish the existing Day Care Centre and create a substantial Out-patient extension at the rear. When completed, the new facilities will include a fully equipped physiotherapy/ rehabilitation gym, additional treatment rooms for a range of therapies, a private consultation room, a quiet/counselling room, a separate activities room, a bright and cheery dining room and a wonderful new garden area for patients to enjoy. The project will also provide the hospice with a clinical training and meeting facility and much needed office space, enhancing our capacity and helping attract more volunteers across the organisation. Construction work will hopefully begin in June and be completed before the end of March 2011. “This exciting project will transform the service we offer,” says Jayne. “When completed, the building will support rather than hinder our team and so help us deliver even better care to our patients and those important to them; now and in the future.” Back to the top |
