Katharine House Hospice inpatient care will be temporarily relocated to allow the unit to be redeveloped.

Next month, a £1.8 million refurbishment and expansion of the inpatient unit on Weston Road will begin.

The redevelopment will help the unit better meet the needs of the local community.

Two new rooms will be added as well as private, en-suite facilities.

There will also be additional space for family members who wish to stay with their loved ones.

Katharine House Hospice said: "These improvements will help us care for more people and provide the privacy and dignity patients and families deserve. 

"Demand for specialist palliative and end-of-life care is growing, and this development will help us respond to that need — now and in the years ahead.

"The project is funded through a combination of grants, long-term income and community support. 

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"A public fundraising appeal will launch in the coming weeks."

Care will continue without interruption (image via Katharine House Hospice)

From 5 May, inpatient care will be provided by the hospice team on Ward 8 at County Hospital.

Wider services including hospice at home, outpatient clinics, therapy and wellbeing sessions will continue as normal. 

The refurbished inpatient unit is expected to reopen by the end of November. 

Carina Lowe, Lead Hospice Nurse, said: "This temporary move allows us to carry out essential improvements while continuing to support patients and their loved ones without interruption.

"Our patients will remain with the same dedicated team throughout."

Patients and visitors will be provided with clear information about how to find the relocated unit, including signage and parking and access.

Katy Thorpe, Chief Operating Officer at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, said: "We are proud to support Katharine House Hospice by providing space on Ward 8 during this important redevelopment.

"This partnership helps ensure continuity of care for patients while improvement works take place."

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