Significant cash boost for hospice

Springhill Hospice

Springhill Hospice has been awarded £406,219 from the latest Department of Health Grant Awards Scheme.

Director of Corporate Services, Julie Halliwell, says: “It has been an anxious wait since last October when we submitted our bid. We are absolutely delighted with the amount of money we have been awarded. This will allow us to progress with plans to improve the day hospice and therapy rooms, and to provide sheltered external seating areas for patients and families who wish to enjoy the beautiful award-winning grounds of the Hospice”

"As we had actually bid for a larger amount, we are hopeful that additional funding can be secured in order that all of the planned work identified through patient and family consultation can be completed within the next 12 months. This will minimise disruption to patients and their families”.

In addition to the day hospice improvements, full plans include provision of a vegetable garden for therapeutic use, replacement of glazing throughout the building, improved laundry provision, and improvements to a bathroom in the main ward area.

Hospice staff are now working to secure the shortfall so that the project can be completed in its entirety.

Ms Halliwell added: “This grant will make a huge difference to the patients and families who use our services. It will enhance our facilities for their benefit and we are very excited at this latest development”.

Local GP and Chairman of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Chris Duffy, said: “The funding is fantastic news for Springhill Hospice patients and their families.

“We’re delighted that the hospice can progress their plans to improve the quality of facilities and care provided to local people.”