Trust chairman delighted with Winchester Hospice progress

“IT LOOKS absolutely fantastic, and now you get a real sense of how it will make a difference to patients and their families.”

That was the uplifting verdict from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) chairman Steve Erskine after he toured Burrell House, a former nurses’ home which is being transformed into Winchester Hospice.

Steve, who visited Burrell House ahead of the latest national lockdown, was delighted to see the progress on the construction of the 10-bed hospice on the Royal Hampshire County Hospital site, in Romsey Road.

“I can’t believe how different the building looks from the first time I came here,” said Steve. “I am delighted with the progress that has been made.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported the hospice fundraising campaign and has helped us to get this far. Please keep up the good work, and remember this hospice will make such a difference to our patients and their families in the future.”

The Winchester Hospice fundraising appeal has now reached 90 per cent of the £3.7million target needed to get the hospice open in Summer 2021.

The first national lockdown, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, meant work had to be halted in March. However, workers from Reside Construction have been back on site since the end of May and have been pressing ahead with the build.

While a second national lockdown has now started, work will continue on the hospice project. In the last couple of weeks, the windows have been installed and other significant milestones will hopefully be achieved before the end of the year.

Winchester Hospice will be run by HHFT. Its palliative care team have been a driving force behind the ambitious project as they know how important it is to have a local hospice facility that will help, support and care for the people of Winchester and the surrounding area.

Winchester Hospice will be the hub for specialist palliative care, providing inpatient care for up to 10 patients, as well as a host of outpatient and community support for people in their own homes.

For more information, and to donate, visit www.winchesterhospice.com or call the Winchester Hospice fundraising team on 01962 828353.