Katharine House Hospice has launched a public fundraising appeal to support a major investment in the future of end-of-life care across Stafford and surrounding areas. The Building Care appeal will help fund a £1.8 million redevelopment of the hospice’s Inpatient Unit.
It comes at a pivotal time, with demand for hospice care rising and services under pressure nationwide, while increasing construction and operational costs are making projects like this more difficult to deliver.
Across the UK, many hospices are being forced to reduce services or even close. Locally, Katharine House Hospice is taking action to protect and expand care for the community.
Work has now begun on site following the temporary relocation of inpatient care to County Hospital.
The redevelopment includes partial demolition of the existing older building and a new, modernised 2,200 sq ft extension. Once complete, it will provide 10 modern bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, along with improved access to the hospice gardens.
These improvements are designed to give patients greater comfort, dignity and privacy, while helping families spend precious time together.
Kelly Day, senior fundraiser at Katharine House Hospice, said: “This is a crucial moment for our hospice. The Building Care appeal is about making sure we can be there for everyone who needs us, now and in the future.
“We’re asking our community to get behind the campaign and be part of something that will make a lasting difference to local families.”
David Broad, director at Brada Developments, the main contractor, said: “We’re proud to be working with Katharine House Hospice on a project that will have a meaningful impact locally.
“Our focus is on creating a space that delivers the highest standards of care, comfort and dignity.”
The project is being funded through a mix of grants, long-term income and community support, and the charity is now calling on local people to get behind the Building Care appeal.
David Fletcher, interim chief executive at Katharine House Hospice, said: “This project is about much more than bricks and mortar. It is about creating a calm, private and dignified environment for local people and their families when they need hospice care most.
“With construction, energy and operational costs continuing to rise, support through our Building Care appeal is essential. Every donation will help us deliver this vital investment in hospice care for Stafford and the surrounding areas.”
Donations can be made at www.khhospice.org.uk/build, where supporters can also dedicate a virtual brick in memory of a loved one. The appeal is sponsored by Friel Homes.
Brada Developments is working alongside RIBA Chartered Architects, Horsley Huber and Chartered Structural Engineers C2C Consulting
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Lead photo: Members of the Katharine House IPU Team.
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