Telford Hospice Opens!

A milestone date in local Hospice services was reached on 11 September 2007 with the opening of phase one of the new Severn Hospice in Telford.  Day patients arrived at the Hospice for the first time to receive a mixture of clinical and respite care in the purpose-built facilities.

Paul Cronin, Chief Executive of Severn Hospice, said: ‘The local community has worked incredibly hard to get this new Hospice ready for our patients in record time.  We still face a real challenge in securing sufficient funds to open the second phase of the Hospice, the in-patient unit, but today is a chance to pause and reflect on what has already been achieved. 

‘The response from the patients and the families says it all.  Our new site really will make an enormous difference to their lives and all of the hard work has been worthwhile.’

He added ‘The Day Hospice provides a range of services including medical care, therapies and respite.  The new Hospice will allow us to offer support to many more local people and we are delighted to be welcoming them.’

Each year more than a third of Severn Hospice patients come from Telford and Wrekin and the surrounding area and the new site will be more convenient for them and their families.  It will also ease pressure on services at the Shrewsbury site, increasing the resources and facilities available for those from the rest of Shropshire and Mid Wales.

A further £100,000 is still needed to complete the fitting out of the in-patient unit and running costs will then have to be secured.  Hospice bosses hope to be able to open part of the unit during 2008, subject to the continued success of the fundraising campaign.  Once all of the beds have opened, £4.9 million will be required annually to run the full Severn Hospice service including beds in Telford and Shrewsbury, three Day Hospices and a variety of services in patients’ own homes. 

For more information on how you can help the Hospice call the Appeals team on 01743 354 450 or 01952 221 351.