Hospice in the Weald shares look behind scenes of refurbishment after Heathfield contractor starts work

The hospice, which provides free care for adults with life-limiting conditions in East Sussex and Kent, said Coxdown Construction Ltd was appointed for the work at its Pembury building.

The hospice is now asking the community to help choose a theme for the room names in its new look in-patient ward.

Its Living Well support is still continuing at Pembury while the work is underway and all in-patient care is being offered at the Hospice’s Five Ashes site.

Ian Fieldwick and Barry Sullivan, directors at Coxdown Construction, said: “We are proud to be the chosen contractor working on the refurbishment of Hospice in the Weald in Pembury, alongside project management partner Gleeds. As a local business, we know that Hospice in the Weald provides incredible care and support for patients and their families at the most difficult times of their lives. We feel privileged to be part of this transformative project, which will help ensure the hospice can continue providing excellent care in the very best surroundings for patients, families and staff for many years to come.”

The hospice said the transformation will see the ward and all patient areas upgraded. There will be a new-look in-patient ward, spiritual care and Living Well spaces and redesigned areas for visitors.

The four themes to choose from for the room names are: a local bird theme, an orchard theme, a flower theme and a numbers or letters theme. The hospice said an example of room names for birds could include birds that frequent the hospice’s garden. For the orchard theme, room names could include the fruit trees in its orchard.

Morag Harvey, director of Transformation and Improvement at the hospice, said: “We are delighted to be working with Coxdown Construction, a construction company with a strong commitment to the local community.

“Our building at Pembury has served our community for many years, but it is now in need of significant repair and modernisation. Some parts have remained unchanged since we opened in 1998. The layout, infrastructure, and facilities no longer meet the standards we believe people deserve at the end of life. We are excited to be able to create a new look in-patient ward for patients and their families that will continue to meet their care needs now and well into the future.

“In preparation for the re-opening of the ward in Pembury next year, we’d love for the community, particularly those who have been touched by the work of the Hospice, to help us choose a theme for the names of the 15 rooms. The themed names will help create a more welcoming and memorable space for patients and families. The overall design is inspired by nature and aims to create a calm, welcoming environment so we hope the chosen theme and subsequent room names will bring added warmth and individuality.”

People can fill out a voting form at www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk until midnight on Friday, October 30.