Work has started on improving the main entrance to Hayward House palliative care unit, at Nottingham City Hospital, thanks to a fundraising appeal which has raised almost £1.5million.
The Hayward House Appeal was launched by Nottingham Hospitals Charity in spring 2022, and has almost reached its £1.5million target. The first portion of money raised was used to enhance the garden at Hayward House, to make it more accessible for patients and visitors – including those in wheelchairs and beds.
Now work has started on the next phase of improvements, to make the main entrance and reception area more welcoming and homely for patients and their loved ones, at what may be a very difficult time.
Sarah Radcliffe, Head of Service for Specialist Palliative Care at Nottingham hospitals, said: “We know that arriving at Hayward House can feel daunting. That’s why we’re focusing on transforming the entrance and reception to feel less clinical and more like home – a place of warmth and dignity, not fear.”
Nigel Gregory, Chief Executive at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re extremely grateful to all the individuals and organisations across the local community who have fundraised and donated towards the Hayward House Appeal, to make these improvement works possible.
“We’ve already seen the difference the revamped garden is making to patients and their loved ones at a deeply important time, and now we’re so grateful to be able to start the next phase of redevelopment, creating an even more welcoming and dignified space for those receiving end-of-life care.”
Hayward House is a unique home-from-home environment, where patients with life-limiting illnesses, including those at the end of their life, are cared for by a team of specialist staff trained in palliative care.
More than 1,000 patients are treated at the centre each year, including in outpatients clinics, on the inpatient unit, and at a special day therapy centre.
As well as creating a brighter and more welcoming entrance and reception area, the £600,000 refurbishment will also provide a new accessible wet room for patients, and revamped toilet and shower facilities for families staying overnight with their loved ones.
For more information about the Hayward House Appeal, or to make a donation, please visit www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk/haywardhouse
