HOSPICE DESIGN
families the opportunity to create positive memories together with their loved one. LSI Architects took great care to listen to the views of my team, and in doing so they ensured that all patients have a floor- to-ceiling view of the beautiful gardens, access to light, airy internal spaces – where they can spend time with family, and facilities which are more aligned to a hotel than a clinical setting.”
Positive comments
Surveys of patients and families continue to show that the listening exercise is fully reflected in the design. Typical comments have included: “The calmness and peace and quiet is wonderful. Facilities for staying in here will be wonderful.”
“A wonderful positive atmosphere and great use of colour.”
“So light and airy, doesn’t feel clinical – feels warm.”
“Wonderfully planned to suit needs.” “A splendid marriage between staff knowledge and care and the architect, which has expressed it so well in the building.”
“The location is inspired, with direct access to the Park and Ride, and proximity to Addenbrooke’s, but in a secluded, leafy setting. We particularly liked the large airy open spaces, and the enthusiasm of all the staff and volunteers for the new building. What impressed us most was that all the rooms were outward facing, and had direct access to a patio area.”
What does the future look like? Prior to the official opening, more than 1900 local supporters, donors, and healthcare professionals from other hospices and healthcare settings visited to see the project complete. Many commented on how clear it was that the facilities had been carefully planned to
One user of the Hospice recently said of it: ‘So light and airy, doesn’t feel clinical – feels warm.’
achieve the best possible support and care for patients, and that this could only enhance the fantastic work of the Arthur Rank Hospice Team, fondly referred to as #TeamArthur.
The purpose-built facility was also designed to be a hub, allowing the Hospice to serve the wider community. The Arthur Rank Hospice Community Team, which comprises the Specialist Palliative Care Home Team and the Hospice at Home Team, are at the heart of this objective. Whether conducting assessments in the patient’s home, or providing information over the phone, this team reaches out to an even greater number of people than are cared for at the Hospice itself. This experienced and compassionate team ensures that the patient accesses the right service at the right time.
A ‘much appreciated’ service For those who are nearing the end of their life, Hospice at Home is a valuable and
much appreciated service. Professional and caring staff are with patients and their families between 10 pm and 7 am, allowing the patient to remain in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by their family and personal belongings. The wish to die at home is fulfilled for 95% of the patients that the Hospice at Home team cares for – something that is recognised as extremely important for both the patient and their loved ones. As a vital community hub, the Arthur Rank Hospice team sees its role as being far greater than being here to deliver care today. The team views it as a responsibility to ensure that it is upskilling its greatest assets – its own staff and volunteers, but also encouraging other organisations to do so, with a view to raising the standard of palliative care across the region, both now and into the future.
Study days and courses As a centre of excellence the Hospice offers an annual programme of study days, workshops, and courses. Arthur Rank Hospice is one of the Regional Centres delivering the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) in the East of England, led by our healthcare educators. The Framework helps staff deliver a ‘gold standard of care’ to residents as they near the end of their lives. This leading UK quality improvement programme runs over six months, with the opportunity for organisations to apply for a recognised GSF Accreditation Quality Hallmark Award on completion.
Patient beds can be easily moved into a covered area outside the bedrooms/lounge spaces, so that people can feel the sun on their skin and a breeze on their faces.
The Hospice library, another part of the design brief, houses an extensive collection of books, journals, reports, and audio-visual material on all aspects of palliative and end-of-life care. There is also a range of resources for patients, carers, and their families. With both study space and an informal seating area, learners attending courses at Arthur Rank Hospice are encouraged to use the library
August 2019 Health Estate Journal 57
©LSI Architects
©Andrew Wilson Photography
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69
