Rowans Hospice launches £7.5m appeal to pay for transformation project

THE Rowans Hospice today launches an ambitious £7.5m Silver Jubilee Appeal to raise the cash it needs to transform care for patients and their loved ones.
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Published 8th Oct 2018, 14:50 BST
Updated 8th Oct 2018, 15:54 BST
A CGI of what is outside of the hospice is expected to look like upon completionA CGI of what is outside of the hospice is expected to look like upon completion
A CGI of what is outside of the hospice is expected to look like upon completion

As it enters its 25th year, the hospice in Waterlooville has announced a three-phase project to transform the building and the services it can provide for the next 25 years.

The Rowans has teamed up with The News as official media partner to publicise the Silver Jubilee Appeal and the work of the hospice, which helps patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families from across the Portsmouth area.

Rowans chief executive Ruth White said: '˜The project is ambitious and extremely exciting, but to achieve this build we need the public's help and support.

A CGI of what is outside of the hospice is expected to look like upon completionA CGI of what is outside of the hospice is expected to look like upon completion
A CGI of what is outside of the hospice is expected to look like upon completion

'˜Since the hospice was built 25 years ago there have been dramatic technological developments and the hospice has been stretched and challenged. But thanks to the unfailing support of our local community, it has gone from strength to strength, developing and extending its services.'

She added: '˜This project will embrace the positive technological developments to create a contemporary '˜'grand design'' for the community's hospice.

'˜We are now planning for the future and looking to the next 25 years and how our hospice will support future service delivery. I trust that together as a community we will build hospice care fit for the future.'

Ruth explained that there were lots of ways for everyone, whether an individual, club, school or business, could show their support.

The patient entrance will have sky-like features so when being wheeled in on a bed, they can see the clouds aboveThe patient entrance will have sky-like features so when being wheeled in on a bed, they can see the clouds above
The patient entrance will have sky-like features so when being wheeled in on a bed, they can see the clouds above

She said: '˜It can be as simple as texting in a donation or filling a silver change box. People can also take part in one of our special Silver Jubilee Appeal events planned over the next year, or arrange their own.

'˜We are asking that everyone pledges to do one thing so we can start to fill the '˜'hero wall'' on our dedicated Silver Jubilee Appeal website.'

An open day is being held today, from 10am-2pm at the charity's Living Well Centre in Purbrook Heath Road. The aim is for the hospice team to explain about the appeal and dispel any misconceptions about the charity and the services it offers.

Gill McQuillan, whose husband John was cared for by Rowans both within the hospice and at home, said: 'When I think about the support that we had from the Rowans, I can only describe it as a Godsend.

This is what the new patient bedrooms are expected to look likeThis is what the new patient bedrooms are expected to look like
This is what the new patient bedrooms are expected to look like

'˜They made the last two weeks of John's life more bearable and their compassion and constant care allowed us to be a family again. The memories of that time are very special.'

Mark Waldron, editor of The News, said: '˜It is a real honour for us to be the media partner with the Rowans Hospice as it launches its Silver Jubilee Appeal.

'˜We have always had a strong bond with the hospice as we know the special place it has in the hearts of so many of our readers.

'˜As it celebrates its 25th anniversary year and looks ahead to transforming its services for the next 25 years, we will strengthen our support and continue to spread the word about the wonderful care it provides.'

Ruth White, chief executive of the Rowans Hospice. Picture: Habibur RahmanRuth White, chief executive of the Rowans Hospice. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Ruth White, chief executive of the Rowans Hospice. Picture: Habibur Rahman

To find out more about the appeal and how to get involved, visit silverjubilee.rowanshospice.co.uk.

To read all the latest stories about the Rowans Silver Jubilee Appeal, go to the portsmouth.co.uk home page and click on '˜Rowans Hospice'.

Don't miss an 8-page supplement all about the appeal and the transformation project in  The News on Thursday and a dedicated weekly appeal page that begins on Friday. 

 

HOW THE TRANSFORMATION WILL TAKE SHAPE

The first phase of the Silver Jubilee Project will see the lightening and brightening of all patient bedrooms and en-suite facilities at the Rowans.

The Rowans Meerkat Service area will be a colourful and inviting space for children to play inThe Rowans Meerkat Service area will be a colourful and inviting space for children to play in
The Rowans Meerkat Service area will be a colourful and inviting space for children to play in

Interactive controls will be installed, along with quiet patio areas for families and friends, plus new seating areas and private spaces.

The dedicated patient entrance will be refurbished to improve first experiences at the hospice. The new route will include colour, light, images of nature on the walls and clouds on the ceiling. The aim is to complete phase one by 2020.

In phase two a '˜winter garden' will be developed and the Rowans Meerkat Service area for children refurbished.

The third and final phase will include adult bereavement services and psychological services for patients and family members.

 

 

 

Related topics:Rowans HospiceWaterlooville