Capital idea for hospice
How one of the new bed-bays at the Kirkwood hospice will look
Kirkwood Hospice has unveiled ambitious plans to refurbish and extend its in-patient unit.
The £3m cost needs to be fundraised through a new Capital Appeal over the next 12 months – the hospice’s 25th anniversary.
Work will start in June and it is hoped to open the doors of the improved unit in June 2013.
The hospice has helped care for tens of thousands of people from across Kirklees over the last 25 years. The 16-bed in-patient has undergone some improvements and redecoration, but the layout and in-built services remain largely unchanged.
Even so, the charity has still received praise from patients and families. As Clare and her mum from Dewsbury say: “There is always a nice smile when we walk in.”
Capital Appeal manager Marie Peacock said: “With major advances in the early diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening illness, patients are living longer post-diagnosis. As care becomes more long term, patients have more complex needs so additional facilities and equipment are needed.
“The 25th anniversary year is the perfect time for these changes to enable the hospice to care for patients and support their families for the next 25 years and beyond.”
Patients and relatives have identified a need for more single rooms, quiet areas and family spaces. The extension plan allows for these and additional family areas including a kitchen, lounges, quiet rooms and a child’s play area. All bedrooms will have access to the garden, be en-suite and there will be two assisted bathrooms with whirlpool baths.
Ms Peacock said: “While the work takes place, all our other services will continue as normal. We will also provide our specialist palliative care by temporarily re-locating our in-patient unit to Ward 11 at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.”
People can see the revamp plans at a public open day will be held at Kirkwood Hospice on Saturday February 11, between 10am and 4pm.
The Capital Appeal aims to raise the £3m needed as this is coupled with the £3.6m the hospice needs for annual running costs so new events and campaigns are needed during the 25th anniversary year.
Information about the appeal is on the campaign website www.capitalappeal.org or from Marie Peacock on 01484 557911.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Batley
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.