Work begins to create new hospice unit

Dignitaries and special guests gathered at a Staffordshire hospice to mark the start of building work on a new multi-million pound in-patient unit.

St Giles Hospice organised a sod-cutting ceremony on the land adjoining its Whittington facility, which is set to become home to a new, modern 27-bed unit by November 2009. The Earl of Shrewsbury, who is patron of the charity's capital appeal, was among those who watched the first sod being cut by Sarah Riches, the hospice's director of nursing.

She was helped by Katie Arnold, the granddaughter of Beryl Arnold – one of the original nurses when the hospice opened 25 years ago.

So far £6.1 million has already been raised for the new unit, but St Giles still needs to find another £2.4 million to meet the cost of the build.

Laura Pennycuick, director of the hospice's capital appeal, said: "We've reached this exciting stage of the in-patient unit project thanks to tremendous support from the local and wider community.

"We continue to encourage local companies, grant-making trusts and individuals to help us find the final £2.4 million enabling us to successfully complete the project."

The £6.1 million the hospice has already raised came from gifts, pledges and grant-making trusts, along with a £500,000 grant from the Department of Health.

The new in-patient unit will replace the current 18-bed facility with single, en-suite rooms and three multi-occupational wards for those who prefer the company of other patients.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the appeal, can contact Laura Pennycuick on 0121 3786295.