Race ace launches new inpatient unit
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HALTON Haven Hospice welcomed a local legend to the unveiling of its newly refurbished Inpatient Unit.
Former British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) race winner and Widnes local Paul O’Neill swung by to open the unit at the hospice that he has a deeply personal connection to.
Mr O’Neill’s brother, Stuart, passed away at the hospice in October 2014, and the ITV pundit gave high praise to the staff who cared for him.
He said: “I know my brother Stuart, who spent his last days in the hospice, will be looking down proudly to the girls and boys who gave him so much loving care,
“It was a total honour and a pleasure to be asked to officially open the Inpatient Unit and communal areas of Halton Haven Hospice.
“I cannot stress how proud I am knowing how much hard work has gone into this project by these individuals.
“To have local businesses help put this renovation together shows how well thought of Halton Haven Hospice is in the borough.”
The refurbishment work at the hospice began in early 2017 and was completed earlier this year at a cost of approximately £90,000.
In addition to all areas of the unit being decorated, some rooms were relocated with the layout of the unit being altered.
All 12 patient rooms at the hospice now look out onto garden or nature areas, are brighter and more welcoming, and are better suited to the needs of the patients.
Jan Gray, family support team manager at the hospice and project manager of the refurbishment works, said: “This project over the last 16 months has been a challenge but it would not have been achieved without the overwhelming from the public.
“I would like to say a big thank you to all, including the companies who completed the work to such a high standard.
“Having Paul O`Neill officially open the rooms was so successful.
“Paul gave the project closure and everyone had a lovely afternoon.”
Mr O’Neill is a BTCC race winner, having raced from 2001 to 2011.
He finished fourth in the championship in 2003 for Vauxhall, and won the British GT Race in 2008.
Since retiring from driving, he now commentates on the BTCC and is a presenter and pundit for ITV Sport. response