Stafford hospice set to relocate to makeway for major refurbishment
Stafford's Katharine House Hospice will relocate its Inpatient Unit next month to allow a major refurbishment and expansion.
A hospice in Stafford set for massive refurbishment forcing relocation of patients
Katharine House Hospice will relocate its Inpatient Unit to allow a major refurbishment and expansion from May 5.
Patients will be treated at County Hospital as work begins on the Weston Road site in Stafford.
During the works, inpatient care will move to Ward 8 at County Hospital, part of the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, with care delivered by the same hospice team.
The refurbishment will increase capacity from eight to ten rooms and create modern, en-suite facilities that offer greater patient privacy and comfort.
Additional space will also be available for families wishing to stay with their loved ones. The development responds to growing demand for specialist palliative and end-of-life care in the local community.
The £1.8 million project is funded through grants, long-term income, and community support. A public fundraising appeal will launch in the coming weeks.
Carina Lowe, hospice lead nurse at Katharine House Hospice, said: “This temporary relocation allows us to carry out essential improvements while continuing to support patients and their loved ones without interruption. Our patients will remain with the same dedicated team throughout.”
Katy Thorpe, chief operating officer at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust said: “We are proud to support Katharine House Hospice by providing space on Ward 8 during this important redevelopment.
“This partnership helps ensure continuity of care for patients while improvement works take place.”
All community services will continue as normal, including home visits, outpatient clinics and sessions at the Therapy & Wellbeing Centre.
Patients and visitors will be given clear information ahead of the move, including details on parking, signage and access at County Hospital.
The upgraded Inpatient Unit is expected to reopen by the end of November, enabling more patients to be supported each year. It will provide improved facilities for patients and their families, helping the hospice meet growing demand in the years ahead.
Last week the hospice's chief executive Dr Richard Soulsby announced he was leaving after 27 years.
Dr Soulsby joined the Stafford charity in 1999 and is leaving on May 8 take up a new position at Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Chester.