Hospice reopens outpatients service after revamp

The hospice said the work would improve the experience of people it looks after

A hospice in Derbyshire has reopened its outpatient services following a six-month refurbishment project.

Work to upgrade parts of the Ashgate Hospice, which began in September, has been completed.

The charity, in Old Brampton near Chesterfield, said its day services area, reception, waiting area clinic rooms and fundraising hub had been revamped.

It said the work had increased its capacity to care for more visiting day patients and improve the experience of those it already looks after.

Sessions for outpatients were temporarily run from a different part of the hospice while the work was carried out.

Margaret Bullock (left) said she was pleased to be able to return to the renovated outpatient services area

Sarah Kerry, the hospice's day services manager, said: "One of our top priorities was creating an environment that feels like a home away from home for the people we care for and support.

"We wanted our day services to feel warm, welcoming, and far removed from any clinical setting, and we're delighted with how it's turned out."

She thanked businesses, individuals, and trusts which supported the project with contributions worth £320,000.

Margaret Bullock, 86, from Bakewell, has incurable breast cancer and is being looked after by the hospice.

She said she was pleased to be able to return to the renovated outpatient services area.

"There are lots of different new rooms than before and the colours in here are lovely, they make the environment so relaxing," she said.

"You feel like you are coming to such a lovely, warm space."