Hospice in the Weald is embarking on a major transformation to improve facilities over the coming year. The Hospice, which provides free care for adults and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across Kent and East Sussex, opened its Pembury hospice in 1998.
The in-patient ward, reception area, chaplaincy and spiritual care rooms, and Living Well centre will be redesigned to provide a calm and uplifting environment to remain functional for years to come.
The changes will enable Hospice in the Weald to offer a greater range of support and will make the building even more welcoming for all.
An award-winning design team, Elaine Lewis Designs and KKE Architects, has been appointed and led by Elaine Lewis, a specialist in hospice interior design.
Staff, volunteers, patients and families are helping to shape the plans which are being developed over the summer.
Nick Farthing, Hospice in the Weald’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be enhancing and upgrading our Hospice in Pembury with such an experienced and committed team.
By improving our spaces, we’ll have more to offer patients and their loved ones, and will be an even better place to work and to volunteer.”
Elaine Lewis said: “The aim is to create a light, calm, warm space. These are people’s homes for a period of their lives, and they deserve to feel special. We want people to come here to feel supported, safe and uplifted, even during one of the most difficult times of their lives.”
While the refurbishment at Pembury is underway, some services will be temporarily relocated, but all services will remain open and will return to Pembury once the refurbishment is complete.
Work is expected to start this autumn, with the majority due for completion by the end of next year. The project is covered by funds previously raised by the charity, as well as recent government funding.
Nick Farthing added: “With money set aside to cover the costs of this project, every pound from our fundraising and charity shop income can continue to go where it is needed most. This year, we need to raise £9 million to be there for everyone who needs us, which is why the continued support of our incredible community has never been more valued.”
Visit hospiceintheweald.org.uk for the latest updates on the transformation programme, along with fundraising news and events.
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