About our Inpatient Unit redevelopment

We know that a redevelopment of this scale raises important questions for patients, their families, our supporters and our neighbours.

We also understand that changes can feel uncertain, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Will patients still receive care during the building work?

Yes. All hospice services are continuing throughout the redevelopment, although our Inpatient Unit is temporarily based at Ward 8 at County Hospital.

Where is inpatient care take place during the work?

During the redevelopment, inpatient care is being provided from Ward 8 at County Hospital, a short distance from the hospice and opposite Nightingales Restaurant.

Clear signage is in place, and our team is available to help patients and visitors with access, parking and arrival information.

Does it feel like a hospital or a hospice?

We have worked to make the space as calm and homely as possible, including using our own equipment and furnishings wherever possible.

Although the surroundings are different, our care, people and approach remain the same.

Has visiting or how families spend time together changed?

Visiting remains open, and families can continue to spend time together in the way that is right for them. Overnight stays can also be supported.

Please speak to our team if you have any questions about visiting or individual arrangements.

Can pets still visit?

Yes – dogs are still very welcome.

Has the number of inpatient beds changed?

We are continuing to provide eight inpatient beds while the unit is temporarily based at County Hospital.

The redeveloped Inpatient Unit will ultimately provide 10 private, en-suite bedrooms, allowing us to care for more people in a more comfortable and therapeutic environment

Why is the Inpatient Unit being redeveloped?

Our Inpatient Unit has supported thousands of families over the past 25 years. We now have an opportunity to improve the space so it better meets the needs of patients and families.

The redevelopment will create a more peaceful, comfortable environment, with improved facilities that support high-quality care now and in the future.

What difference will the new rooms make?

Private, en-suite rooms will:

• Protect dignity and privacy
• Allow families to spend meaningful time together
• Reduce noise and support better rest
• Improve infection control
• Help people feel safe, settled and at ease

These changes will make a meaningful difference to people’s experience of hospice care.

When did work start and how long will it take?

Work began in May 2026 and is progressing well. The new extension and internal layout are taking shape, with further fitting-out, external work, equipment installation, testing and final preparations still to be completed.

We will continue to share updates as the project progresses and plans for returning to the hospice are confirmed.

Will there be disruption during the build?

There may continue to be some noise, construction traffic and temporary changes around the hospice site while work is completed. We are working closely with our contractor to minimise disruption and maintain safe access to the services that remain on site.

We will give advance notice of any significant changes wherever possible.

Will this affect neighbours or local traffic?

Some construction traffic is expected at certain times, but disruption will be kept to a minimum.

The project also includes improvements to parking and the use of our site, which will help in the longer term.

How will this improve hospice care overall?

The redeveloped unit will:

• Offer calm, private spaces for patients and families
• Improve comfort, lighting and ventilation
• Create a more welcoming, less clinical environment

It will also allow us to care for more people each year.

How will patients and families be kept informed?

Patients and families will be kept fully informed by our care teams, either face-to-face or by phone, so you always know what to expect.

We will also share updates through our website and other channels as the project progresses.

How much will the project cost?

The full redevelopment is expected to cost around £1.8 million.

How is the project being funded?

The project is funded through a combination of hospice reserves, grants and community support.

This approach allows us to improve our buildings while protecting day-to-day spending on patient care.

Why is fundraising needed?

Community support plays an important role in projects like this.

It helps us protect funds for future patient care, reduce financial risk, and involve local people in shaping the future of the hospice.

How can I support the project?

If you would like to support the redevelopment, you can donate, fundraise or help share our story through our Building Care appeal.

Thanks to the generous support of local people, businesses and organisations, the project is already well underway – but further support will help fund the facilities, furnishings and equipment needed to bring the new unit to life.

Every contribution will help us create more room to care for local people and their families.