Foundation's designs on new hospital ward

Description:

Patients requiring palliative care in the Spalding area can be assured of the highest quality of care and facilities when the new South Holland Community Hospital opens next year.

NHS Lincolnshire is funding additional facilities at the new hospital for palliative care, and the hospital project team has worked closely with Spalding Hospice Foundation to design and develop a designated palliative care suite to provide a first class environment for patients and their families.

Spalding Hospice Foundation has provided high specification beds for these rooms which ensure the highest level of comfort for patients.

Chairman of Spalding Hospice Foundation, Bob Goemans said "We are committed to funding additional facilities to make life as comfortable as possible for those people nearing the end of their lives who are unable to be at home."

The palliative care suite has 4 single en-suite rooms which have access to a balcony area large enough for a patient to enjoy the sun from their bed if necessary.

A comfortable lounge provides a quiet area for resting, and overnight accommodation and kitchen facilities for relatives of patients being cared for on the suite are also provided.

Nursing staff provide care and treatment to patients with chronic illnesses as well as those at the end of their life.

Patients can be helped with pain control and are supported in an environment which is as close to being at home as can be achieved.

Rehabilitation facilities can also be provided from the hospital's main ward to assist in helping those who are able to return home to do so.

Matron of the new hospital, Bruce Mulraney said "We are indebted to Bob Goemans and his team at Spalding Hospice Foundation for their involvement from the outset in helping to design a suite for palliative care patients which will provide the very best in terms of facilities and care for patients.

"The facility for relatives is particularly welcomed as it makes such a difference to have family close by and relieves the anxiety of travelling or finding somewhere to stay in the vicinity at a difficult time."

Patients in the suite will be looked after by highly skilled nurses who will be specifically trained, skilled and experienced in the specialised field of palliative care.