A BASINGSTOKE hospice will undergo a refurbishment to transform the environment for staff, patients and visitors.

St Michael’s Hospice will carry out work to its inpatient unit this summer. The project will see all existing corridor flooring replaced, new lighting and redecoration.

This refurbishment was planned prior to Covid in 2020 but postponed due to the pressure for beds the virus caused on healthcare system.

These upgrades must now be undertaken as a matter of priority. For the two-week period the refurbishment will take, the hospice will care for our patients in the community via increasing the workforce capacity of its Hospice at Home team. The safety and comfort of its patients and staff were paramount in making its decision.

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Iain Cameron, chief executive of St Michael’s said: “We have planned this progressive refurbishment with our healthcare partners and have the total support of our staff to ensure that patients will continue to receive the highest standard of round the clock specialist palliative care.

“We have communicated widely to our supporters and volunteers in the community to explain how the refurbishment will benefit patients and their families.

“By making these positive building improvements we will dramatically improve the physical working environment for patients and the dedicated teams delivering care to our patients.”

Philippa Aslet, director of nursing at St Michael’s Hospice is passionate about the transformation process.

She said: “The refurbishment project is an exceptional opportunity to really improve the environment in which patients are cared in.

“All the teams are very excited and looking forward to seeing the result. For the duration of the refurbishment our clinical staff who work tirelessly delivering exceptional care to patients on the inpatient unit will work in support of their community colleagues. This ensures we have the additional capacity required to meet patient needs. In addition, we will continue to provide a 24hr a day phone line manned by specialist clinical staff to provide support to patients and families.

“Whilst it can sometimes be more challenging delivering care in the community, we are confident that there will be minimal interruption to the support our Hospice provides to the community.

“At the end of the refurbishment process we will have a hugely improved environment that is easier to maintain, meets the latest infection control requirements yet remains welcoming for patients who visit to receive vital treatment, care and support.”

The work will begin on July 1 is scheduled to last 14 days.

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