A better reception

RECEPTION RENOVATION COMPLETED ON TIME

St Michael's Hospice reception area has been fully renovated to offer direct benefits to the patients, relatives, volunteers and staff who use it every week. 

A £203,742 grant from the Department of Health facilitated this redevelopment which has improved accessibility for patients, particularly elderly people and wheelchair users, and created clearly defined areas such as a larger coffee shop, a quiet room and plenty of comfortable seating.

A new dedicated quiet room is now used by patients and relatives to meet with members of the Hospice's Family Services Team, which provides chaplaincy, social work and counselling.

Head of Fundraising, Perdita Chamberlain, said: 'The views of patients and volunteers have been central to this project with particular regard to the need for space, accessibility, tranquility and privacy.'

She continued, 'The new reception area will make it easier for patients to remain independent by accessing a trading area offering toiletries and sundries, and a larger, purpose built coffee shop. Quiet areas will mean that they and their families will be able to enjoy an environment away from more clinical surroundings. We have also introduced a helpful 'information wall' for patients, staff and visitors.

Sue Rolles has been a volunteer for six years and works on the reception desk.  'It was certainly time for a facelift and the changes  have made the reception bigger and better,' said Sue.  'It  is great to have a larger coffee shop with its own tables and chairs and all the different areas looking as though they belong together.'

Well respected artist, Rebecca Cresswell, who specialises in producing work for medical environments, has produced a painting depicting the Hospice within its surrounds of Hastings & Rother.  This hangs behind the reception desk.  As a further enhancement, the Hospice will be approaching local craftspeople with regard to integrating stained glass into the extended conservatory.

St Michael's Hospice Chief Executive, Celia Pyke-Lees, commented: 'As a Hospice seeking excellence in the 21st Century, we're delighted this essential redevelopment has been so successful - ensuring we continue to improve our support for the communities of Hastings & Rother for the next 20 years and beyond.'