The centre will also make an important financial contribution to the running of the three hospices in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford – profits from hiring out the conference and training rooms will be ploughed back into meeting the costs of providing free hospice care.
The centre has been set up to provide a professional venue for business events, conferences and formal meetings. There are three good size rooms, with large flatscreen TVs, projectors and free wifi. There is also a clinical room with a sink for events which involve hands-on demonstrations and practical working.
The rooms have been named after historical figures whose geographical association links the three hospice sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet: Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer and William Harvey.
As well as being used to provide training and education for hospice staff, Pilgrims Hospices is also offering a bespoke range of training workshops on end of life care and related subjects for the local healthcare community.
Dr Richard Morey, hospice chairman, said: “In just four months, we have built this wonderful education centre and it is going to play a very important part in Pilgrims Hospices’ future as we adapt to cater for the 14% increase in workload we experienced in 2012.”
The centre has been named in honour of the hospice’s founder, Ann Robertson, who unveiled a plaque at the official opening and said: “I can see several faces who were here in 1970 when this hospice was just a dream and they would agree we’re very thrilled the purpose of this centre is to be for education.
“Education has always been a key part of our work. It’s fantastic we now have this designated facility and income generator for future projects. We must praise the trustees and management for their vision and boldness in purchasing this building to ensure Pilgrims can maintain its reputation for being at the cutting edge of palliative care.”
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