Plans have been lodged by St Michael’s Hospice, Bartestree, for a major refurbishment and building programme.
Once approved by Herefordshire Council, it plans to launch a £10million public appeal and complete the project by autumn 2012.
Doubling the floor area will provide single-room care for those with life-threatening illness and extra support for their loved ones. In-patients will increase by a third and day hospice patients by half as much again.
Chief executive Nicky West told the Journal: “We have been working with local architect Architype on a refurbishment and significant redevelopment. We are all very excited about what lies ahead.”
She added: “This development will lead to a significantly higher level of care for people in need of palliative treatment, often at their life’s end. We are proud of what has been achieved and, with the continuing support of Herefordshire people, we hope to provide an even better service.”
Trustees chairman Sylvia Jones said: “Our supporters are wonderful and our 165 staff and 840 volunteers are the best ambassadors you could ask for.”
Head of fundraising Ruth Denison said: “We are hoping the community will continue to enable us to pay our running costs. We aim to launch the £10million appeal by the spring.”
Established nearly 30 years ago on land bequeathed by the Catholic Church, tens of thousands from Herefordshire and its surrounds have gained from the tender loving care of staff and volunteers.
St Michael’s will also continue to reach out to patients at home, be a centre for teaching palliative care and a channel for spiritual counselling.
So much more than just a building, it plans to stay operational throughout the redevelopment programme.
St Michael’s is approaching grant funders for support and a range of public, private and charitable sources.
Major gifts could mean a name could be linked to a particular room or area.
Included in the plans are patio access from the 20 individual rooms, therapy, physiotherapy, assessment and relative rooms, a large cafe, dedicated adolescent and children’s area, a bereavement suite, spiritual space and volunteer hub.
Extra car parking space is also planned.