Why the Hospice Needs a New Building

The simple fact is that today St Wilfrid’s Hospice has 50% fewer hospice beds to support our community than the national average. Sadly as a consequence 24 people died in 2010 whilst waiting for admission to our inpatient unit. One of the GPs who responded to our referrer opinion survey said “Hospice beds have been a problem for a long time in that there is usually a waiting list when we need them”.

Population statistics suggest that by 2029 the population numbers aged over 64 are expected to increase by 53% and those over 85 are expected to increase by 77%. In order to meet the desperate need for hospice care in our community we are building a new 20 bed hospice.  This will mean that we can make an impact on even more lives in the community we serve

New Hospice Building

A major part of extending our reach in the community is to build a new hospice in Broadwater Way. Preparation works are underway to clear the area of protected reptiles with a number of common lizards and slow worms being relocated to a nearby golf course. Construction of a temporary road into our new site began on 4 July 2011. Our ambition is to officially open our new hospice on November 28th, 2013 which will be our 30th anniversary.

The new hospice will be a modern, purpose-built facility with twenty private bedrooms with ensuites, beautifully landscaped gardens, day care facilities, therapy rooms and space for further expansion if required.

There will be extensive facilities for families and friends visiting inpatients including private accommodation and lounge facilities. Public areas separate from the inpatient unit will also be available including a coffee shop and a quiet chapel for reflection or prayer. 

The hospice will provide a well-being clinic available to both day and out patients including a physiotherapy gym, therapy and treatment rooms, a suite for creative and group activities and places that provide a relaxed setting to just sit and talk. 

On the upper floor, we will have dedicated educational facilities for training other professionals in the care of the dying as well as office accommodation for our staff.

Below are some images of the proposed new building.