MP visits the new St Barnabas House hospice
The MP is a patron for the St Barnabas House charity, which includes Chestnut Tree House children's hospice.
The tour was provided by the Chief Executive, Hugh Lowson, and the Chairman of Trustees, Guy Clinch, who were proud to show Mr Herbert how money raised from fundraising and donations has been spent.
The new state-of-the art facility, opened in March, is a landmark building located in Titnore Lane, Worthing. It has been designed to feel much less like a hospital or medical building, and more like a welcoming home for visitors and patients. Attention to detail has been made in every corner, such as ceiling hung artwork, and the use of light bright colours.
St Barnabas House is a beacon in the field of specialist palliative care. The new hospice now has 20 private rooms, a Day Hospice, a private chapel and facilities equipped with the latest technologies to make caring for their patients as comfortable as possible.
Mr Herbert was welcomed in the light and airy reception which includes a café, run by volunteers. He was shown the inner courtyard garden which provides a peaceful place to sit quietly and admire the many plants and water features. The tour continued with a visit to one of the private rooms, all of which are situated at ground level with access to an outdoor area. Each of the rooms is spacious and a number of them include sofa beds so that friends and family can stay overnight.
Hugh Lowson provided on overview into their methods of care, and how they work hard to meet the final wishes of their patients.
The MP also had the opportunity to meet many of the staff who work in a number of areas including care, fundraising and management. Alongside the medical and care staff at the centre, there are a great many volunteers who work in the centre too.
Mr Herbert said, "I am delighted to have been invited to St Barnabas House to see how fundraising for ‘Building The Dream' appeal has become a reality with the new centre. The hospice is now fully operational, and it was wonderful to see the care and thought that has gone into the design of the building.
"I am very impressed by the dedication of the staff and also by the volunteers who give up their time to support the hospice. St Barnabas House would not exist without the generosity of its teams, staff and fundraisers who have helped to realise the dream of the new building, and now provide a fresh approach to hospice care.
"I wish them every success for the future."
Following the visit, the Chief Executive, Hugh Lowson said, "We were delighted to welcome Mr Herbert to St Barnabas and to show him our wonderful new hospice. As a Patron of the charity and our local MP, Mr Herbert was able to see for himself what a difference the new building will make to our patients and families, as well as our nursing staff.
"Without the tremendous generosity of our local supporters, we would not have been able to build the new hospice and we were very proud to show Mr Herbert that St Barnabas can now continue to serve our local community for many years to come."
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. For more information about St Barnabas House, please see their website http://www.stbarnabas-hospice.org.uk