Saint Francis Hospice is inviting the public to an Open Day to find out more about an exciting building project to improve the comfort and experience of individual patients and their loved ones.
During the Open Day, which takes place at the hospice in Havering-atte-Bower on Thursday 2nd November from 11am to 4pm, visitors will meet the team managing the Ward Transformation Project and have an opportunity to view the plans and designs that illustrate how the reception and ward area will be upgraded into a state-of-the-art care environment.
“Next year we celebrate 40 years of delivering the best palliative and end of life care to local people living in our catchment areas of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Brentwood and West Essex and we are excited about future proofing the hospice for the next 40 years,” said Tes Smith, Director of Services at Saint Francis Hospice.
“The need for our services continues to grow, and the Ward Transformation Project is essential to ensure the hospice is sustainable for the future, to bring facilities in line with our care standards, so those on our ward and their loved ones have even more comfort and dignity.”
The entrance, reception and community space for staff, inpatients and visitors will be transformed and access to external areas will be improved. The four bed wards will be extended to support delivery of care and upgrades will be made to bedrooms, staff, clinical, therapy and ancillary areas.
Solar panels will be installed, along with sustainable and modern technologies to enhance the environment for patients. This includes features to control humidity, temperature, levels/moods of lighting and bedside oxygen.
“The existing building, which has developed in a piecemeal fashion over the years as funding was secured along the way via different grants, donations and legacies, is no longer quite fit for purpose,” said Tes.
“We’re delighted building work will start in July 2024 and be completed by March 2025 so local people, their loved ones, staff and volunteers will soon benefit from a dynamic and more modern facility with updated technology.”
Plans are currently being prepared to ensure minimal disruption to service while the building work is taking place at the hospice.
To find out more details about the Open Day visit sfh.org.uk/ward-transformation.
