Rowcroft Hospice has completed a refurbishment of its Inpatient Unit, made possible by a government grant to improve the hospice’s buildings, facilities, and equipment. The work has focused on making the hospice in Avenue Road, Torquay, more welcoming, accessible, and comfortable for patients and their families.
Led by Gill Horne, Rowcroft’s Programme Director – Care Services, the project was shaped by extensive conversations with staff, patients with life-limiting illnesses, and families to ensure the changes reflected their needs. The refurbishment included a new ensuite single room, wider doors to enable beds to be wheeled out onto the patio facing the sea, improved storage, and redesigned layouts to make it easier for patients with mobility challenges to move around safely, including the installation of a new wheelchair ramp at the main entrance.
All single rooms now feature en-suite bathrooms and improved soundproofing, while family areas have been upgraded with new furniture, kitchenettes, and more space to spend time together. Thoughtful colour schemes, non-reflective surfaces, and quieter areas have been introduced to create a calmer environment, particularly benefiting people with dementia, neurodiverse needs or sensory sensitivities. Beautiful nature-themed murals hand-painted by a local artist, and flooring that’s easier to navigate, all contribute to making the hospice a more welcoming and supportive space.
The colourful mural inspired by Dartmoor and local beaches adorns the entrance corridor of Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit. It was hand-painted by local artist Neil Wilkinson-Cave of Sacredart Murals.
“For patients and families facing one of the hardest journeys imaginable, coming into the hospice can be overwhelming,” said Gill Horne. “Our goal at Rowcroft is to make every part of their experience as smooth and comfortable as possible, so they can focus on what truly matters – being together, supporting their loved one, and finding moments of peace in a very difficult time. With this refurbishment, we’ve made the Inpatient Unit even more inclusive, welcoming, and comfortable, with thoughtful design, quiet spaces, and improved accessibility to support patients and families throughout their stay.”
Hawthorne room in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit has been transformed with a bright fresh colour scheme and a new ensuite shower-room.
Mark Hawkins, CEO of Rowcroft Hospice, added:
“This government funding has been most warmly welcomed, enabling us to improve our buildings and equipment. However, the funds were ring-fenced for capital investment only and could not be used for the day-to-day hospice running costs like staff salaries or specialist care. We continue to rely heavily on the generosity of our local community to support the hospice in delivering the vital palliative and end-of-life care that families across South Devon need.”
While the refurbishment marks a step forward, Rowcroft, like many hospices across the UK, continues to face financial pressures. Rising staff wages, increased National Insurance contributions and escalating energy bills are adding to the charity’s significant challenges – with government funding covering only 24% of the hospice’s £11 million annual running costs. According to Hospice UK (the national charity representing over 200 member hospices), six in ten hospices are making or considering cuts to frontline services this year.
For further information about the work of Rowcroft Hospice, or to make a donation, please visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk
——————-
Lead image: The newly refurbished front lounge offers a quiet, reflective space for families.
About Rowcroft Hospice
It takes time, compassion, medical expertise and money to help patients with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones to make the most of every day, but every year Rowcroft Hospice helps around 2,500 people in South Devon to do just that.
By providing comfort, support and specialist services, the hospice enables families to share precious moments when they are needed most – whether it’s a beautiful wedding, remarkable reunion or a simple thank you.
From Dartmouth to Dawlish and up onto Dartmoor, Rowcroft cares for 80% of its patients in their own homes with a team of community nurse specialists, social workers, and bereavement volunteers. The team also provides occupational therapy, physiotherapy, complementary therapy, spiritual care and music therapy, delivering a holistic approach tailored to individual needs.
Day and night, Rowcroft’s award-winning Hospice at Home team provide free specialist support to patients at home in their last few of weeks of life. The team helps to monitor and manage symptoms to enable patients to be comfortable and also offers support for loved ones, enabling carers to take much needed breaks. The service includes a dedicated telephone support line 24 hrs a day.
In Rowcroft’s 12-bedded Inpatient Unit in Torquay, the hospice’s team provides specialist care for patients whose complex needs cannot be met at home. Along with high quality health and social care, we also offer delicious homecooked meals and access to our beautiful gardens. The welcoming and homely environment helps patients and families to make the most of precious time together.
Rowcroft is an independent charity with around 75% of its funding derived from the incredible generosity of local people. The hospice team fully acknowledges the current challenging economic climate and is grateful for the local community’s continued support through these tough times; every pound raised makes a real difference.
With an increasingly ageing local population, the demand for Rowcroft’s care has never been greater. The charity currently cares for around one in three people with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon and has ambitious plans to expand its care to reach more people.
For more information, please visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk or contact Shala Weeks, Marketing, Brand & Events Manager, on (01803) 210 846 or email weekss@rowcrofthospice.org.uk
Leave a Reply