Special guests preview the new in-paitent unit at St Giles Hospice

St Giles Hospice invited special guests to an exclusive preview of the new In-Patient Unit (IPU) in Whittington, ahead of building work being completed later this year.

The event provided appeal patrons, trustees, senior hospice staff and building contractors with the opportunity to see some of the exceptional features of the new facility.

These include a ‘green’ roof of low growing sedum which will help to keep the building warm-er in winter and cooler in summer, and discharge the rainwater gently into the drainage system.

Guests were able to walk around the ground floor bedroom wing, which has been designed with special roof lights to increase natural light levels inside the building creating a light and airy feel. The spacious ensuite bedrooms with extra facilities have access to gardens and ter-races for the benefit of patients.

St Giles Hospice Capital Appeal Director, Laura Pennycuick, says:

We’re very excited that the new IPU is taking shape and on target for completion at the end of this year, with the first patients due to transfer in April 2010.

We were able to show our guests images of the sample bedroom which had been prepared for the hospice to verify and enhance the specifications. Combined with specialist new equipment, improved facilities for relatives including overnight accommodation, and additional patient beds, we aim to set a new standard for hospice care in the region.

When the new IPU opens in April next year, it will replace the current 18-bed facility at the hospice at Whittington. This will enable St Giles to significantly extend its specialist care for local people living with cancer and other serious illnesses.

The facility will offer a choice of larger en-suite rooms or three multi-occupation wards for those who prefer the company of other patients.

The Capital Appeal has raised nearly £1.9m of the £4m target towards the new IPU. Generous support has been pledged by grant-making trusts, statutory bodies, individuals and local companies, in addition to a grant of £500,000 from the Department of Health. The hospice will open the new facility with 18 nursing beds available and plans to open the remaining beds as additional funding is obtained.