Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice celebrates completion of refurbished inpatient unit (From News Shopper)

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice celebrates completion of refurbished inpatient unit

12:04pm Thursday 3rd November 2011 in Community

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in South East London is celebrating the refurbishment of its inpatient unit, which has been completed thanks to a £252,257 capital grant from the Department of Health.

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice was one of 116 hospices from across England awarded a grant last year to enhance care for patients and families by improving the physical environment of the hospice.

The funding was used for a variety of projects within the hospice inpatient unit to improve safety and patient dignity including specialist beds, new hoists, improved quiet spaces and gardens, and a modern, light environment.

Kate Heaps, Chief Executive at Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice said she is delighted with the work: “The area is much lighter and brighter now which enhances the environment for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers,” said Kate. “Over time, the improvements will help us to improve the care we deliver by better promoting privacy, making the environment easier to keep clean, adding new technology to support patient autonomy and by improving the visibility of staff in the unit.”

The hospice has also been able to make changes to its facilities so that all members of the community are able to meet their needs with the refurbishment of “The Haven” which provides a space for prayer or quiet reflection, installation of ablution facilities and improving facilities for bereaved relatives in a dedicated facility called the “Willow Suite”.

Mayor of Greenwich Jim Gillman said: “The grant from the Department of Health has allowed Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice to vastly improve the facilities for patients and their families. The space is now fresh and bright and many of the rooms benefit from a further degree of privacy – with many enjoying en-suite facilities and private access on to garden areas. The Hospice is a wonderful place providing the very best care - it is a great asset for our local community.”

To celebrate the completion of the work, Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice is offering tours of the Hospice for people interested in supporting the Hospice either now or in the future. For more information contact Rachel Williams on email rachelwilliams@gbch.org.uk or call 020 8319 9230.

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice provides free specialist end of life care for people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as providing support for their families, friends and carers.

FIND OUT MORE at www.communityhospice.org.uk