The new in-patient unit at Telford’s multi-million pound Severn Hospice is to open in early summer, marking a huge milestone in health care and a triumph for the public appeal.
The new in-patient unit at Telford’s multi-million pound Severn Hospice is to open in early summer, marking a huge milestone in health care and a triumph for the public appeal.
The first beds for patients staying at the Apley Castle facility will open on July 3, two years to the day since the first turf was cut.
Bosses say the opening of the six bedrooms will require a significant expansion of the nursing staff and care team employed by Severn Hospice and recruitment is currently underway.
The launch of the inÐpatient unit marks the pinnacle of a campaign by the Severn Hospice, which raised more than £5 million through public donations and fundraising to build the state of the art facility.
Mr Paul Cronin, hospice chief executive, said the latest development was ‘good news’ for the people of Shropshire.
“As referrals build up, our two main sites, Shrewsbury and Telford, will move to full capacity and the beds will be available in time to meet the anticipated demand.
“We are currently undertaking a range of refurbishment work at our Shrewsbury site to bring services there bang up to date.
“This latest news means that patients from all across the county will benefit from superb facilities run to the same high standard.
“The timing of the opening has been made possible thanks to a grant from Telford & Wrekin Primary Care Trust.
“This donation followed an earlier donation of £390,000 made by the Trust at the start of the capital appeal and reflects the importance of the Hospice as the primary provider of specialist palliative care services in the region.”
More than £5 million every year will be needed to meet the running costs of the hospice, which cares for more than 2,500 patients each year.
All care is provided free of charge but the hospice relies upon donations from the public and various organisations to help raise the cash needed to maintain its services.
Mr Brian Taylor, chairman of Telford & Wrekin Primary Care Trust, said: “The PCT fully recognises the tremendous contribution that the public have made to build this hospice in Telford.
“We are delighted that the funding from the PCT has enabled the hospice to start accepting.
“After such a fantastic effort by the public, we wanted to ensure the momentum continued.
“Through this additional funding, the PCT is helping achieve the aims of the public who want to see a fully operational hospice in Telford.”
Maureen Lamb, the newly appointed Hospice manager for the Telford site, added: “We are deeply grateful to the local community for their support of Severn Hospice each year.
“So much has been achieved thanks to their hard work and we need them to keep on backing us by raising funds to ensure that our essential services continue into the future.”
Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard commented: “Having recently toured the facility, I can testify to the excellent accomodation and first class staff”.
