Dr Kershaw’s thanks supporters as new state-of-the-art in-patient unit opens its doors

The doors to Dr Kershaw's new in-patient unit have finally opened, following a five-month Covid delay.

The new unit will offer modern facilities for patients in the local community.

With over 30 years history of caring for patients in Oldham, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice has transformed itself from the 1930s Cottage Hospital building it once was, to a modern facility offering patients a 21st century home from home in their newly launched £3.5 million In-Patient Unit.

Despite unprecedented Covid-delays and a financial shortfall to the project, which pushed back the opening by five months, the Hospice’s new In-Patient Unit which has the capacity to care for 12 patients, proudly opened its doors to the first patient on 15th February.

The state-of-the-art new facility which will enable the Hospice to provide compassionate, dignified care for patients with life-limiting illnesses in a modern environment, includes eight single, and two twin rooms, all of which have en-suite facilities, their own smart TV, a coffee table, lounge chairs and an integral fitted storage unit.

Each room has its own private patio area, with the majority of rooms having glass double doors overlooking the grounds, which will open up to stunning views once the newly-landscaped gardens are complete.
 
At the heart of Dr Kershaw’s facility is the new in-patient family lounge whose furnishings have been funded as a result of the Hospice’s latest Appeal ‘Furnish with Love’.

Featuring sofas, dining facilities and a bespoke kitchen, the Hospice’s in-patient family lounge is available for patients to relax and spend time in with their families outside their rooms.

Joanne Sloan, Chief Executive at Dr Kershaw’s has been at the Hospice for over six years, originally overseeing all clinical areas as Director of Clinical Services, and has overseen the project.

Said Joanne: "We couldn’t be happier with our new facility, it has definitely been worth the wait, the In-Patient Unit is bright, with lots of natural light and is a huge step forward from our old ward."

Other features to the new In-Patient Unit include two new accessible patient bathrooms along with a relatives room.  The patient bathrooms feature specialist bathtubs, as many of the Hospice’s patients would be unable to use standard wash facilities.

The hydro bathtubs have been installed to create a peaceful atmosphere for patients so that they can have a hot soak in bubbles, with lights and their favourite music to promote relaxation.

The Hospice’s relatives room will allow family and friends to stay overnight, or take a few hours to relax and recharge their batteries, whilst staying close to their loved ones.

The Chief Executive added: "Giving our patients and their loved ones the opportunity to spend as much time together as possible is so important to us at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice."

To accommodate the completion of the new facility, Dr Kershaw’s took its clinical provision fully into the community with its Hospice at Home service back in October.

Four months later, the team who cared for 556 patients in 2020 both in the Hospice and the community, are now back on the ward providing specialised care and support for patients and their families, giving patients the choice of being cared for at home or on the Hospice’s new In-Patient Unit.

Dr Matthias Hohmann, the Hospice’s Medical Director works with the nurses on the In-Patient Unit to provide individualised care for each patient who is admitted.

Talking about the first patients admitted to the new facility, Dr Hohmann said: “The new facility is incredible, of course it’s a much brighter, aesthetically pleasing environment to be cared for in, but we also now have access to a number of new technologies which will support the clinical team to make each patient’s care journey exceptional and a new central nursing station to optimise patient care coordination.

"Everything we need is now compact in each patient room, such as piped oxygen, which is readily accessible, instead of using oxygen concentrators for patients which previously generated a lot of heat and noise.

"Our first patients through the door, and their families, have been impressed with both the stunning features of the new ward along with the clinical options readily to hand."

Michael O’Connor, 53, was one of the first patients admitted to Dr Kershaw’s In-Patient Unit for pain management.

He said: "I was apprehensive about going to a new facility but when I arrived at Dr Kershaw’s I soon realised there was no need to be.

"The facilities are fantastic, my room was comfortable and it felt homely, something that means a lot when you're away from home.

"The room was spacious and very modern, two members of my family were allowed to visit me and were made to feel at home also.

"The care I received whilst at the Hospice was second to none, I have never known care like this, nothing is too much trouble for the staff."

With internal works complete, Dr Kershaw’s is now turning its attention to the next phase of the development, which is the landscaping of the gardens.

Once complete, the outdoor spaces at the Hospice will provide a beautiful setting with seating areas and walkways for patients and their families to spend time in.

Chief Executive Joanne added: “Dr Kershaw’s Hospice would like to thank everyone who has supported our new build project and made our vision of the new In-Patient Unit into a reality.

"Thank you to each and every donor, the contractors who have worked tirelessly throughout the major construction project and the community of Oldham who have all made our new build possible.

"Due to Covid, we won’t yet be able to hold the official launch we had hoped to, but look forward to welcoming you all back to the Hospice when we are able to, to share our fantastic new build and to celebrate the future of Dr Kershaw’s."

A full list of credits of those who have supported the Hospice’s new build project is available on their newly created In-Patient Unit virtual tour.

To watch the virtual tour, you can visit their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn channels or the Hospice’s website: www.drkh.org.uk

Despite being able to complete their new build, Dr Kershaw’s ongoing funds to support patient care have been massively impacted by the pandemic with events cancellations and a reduction in fundraising activites.

To ensure care for the future, the Hospice needs your help today, to make a donation or to take part in fundraising, call the Hospice’s Fundraising Team on 0161 624 9984 or visit www.drkh.org.uk

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