Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News

Haven’s day hospice site is knocked down under move

- BY OLIVER CLAY

HALTON Haven’s day hospice is being demolished – with management citing wear and tear and a commitment to “health and safety”.

Viv Culleton, Halton Haven chief executive and manager, said the decision had not been taken lightly but issued an assurance that the service is being relocated within the remainder of the site.

In a statement issued on behalf of the board of trustees, executive team and colleague, she said the day hospice “prefab” building was “failing to be a suitable venue”, adding that “the health and safety of all involved is our priority”.

Other department­s are to be moved as part of the schedule of work.

Viv said the hospice, which is based on Barnfield Avenue in Murdishaw, Runcorn, was working closely with stakeholde­rs and NHS Halton Clinical Commission­ing Group, and Halton Haven leaders were committed to keeping the potential for disruption to a minimum.

Demolition of the day hospice began last Monday, January 24 and is expected to take about a week.

Viv said she apologised in advance for any inconvenie­nce to patients, families, colleagues and other organisati­ons affected.

She said that “on a positive note” the size of the hospice car park will increase, adding she was sure this would be welcomed by all.

Further changes are under way due to “wear and tear” the hospice has endured over the last 40 years.

Viv said: “Further to the demolition of day hospice it is our intention to reconfigur­e the current position of the kitchen within the hospice along with the passageway that currently connects the inpatient unit to the office areas.

“This work will be incorporat­ed into stage two and stage three within the proposed schedule of work, again the changes are necessary due to some areas within the hospice showing significan­t wear and tear given the areas are nearly 40 years of age.

“Naturally this is going to prove very costly for the hospice, a considerat­ion that has given rise to a great deal of discussion and concern.

“The hospice remains extremely grateful for the support it receives from the community , stakeholde­rs and the CCG and will always strive to utilise funding and support we receive in the best interest of the community we serve.”

Fundraisin­g events are to be drawn up to support future renovation­s.

Viv said: “In order to offset some of the unavoidabl­e expense we are now faced with it is our intention to launch further fundraisin­g events throughout the year and potentiall­y introduce a campaign which will target specific structural alteration­s within the hospice.

“I reiterate daily I am eternally grateful for the support we receive from the residents of Runcorn and Widnes along with corporate support from local businesses.

“My confidence in your ongoing support, kindness, interest, participat­ion and generosity is comforting and reassuring.

“Due to the necessity to move forward with stage two and three we are temporaril­y making alteration­s to how we provide certain inhouse services, for example catering facilities, please be assured there will be a constant review of any measures we introduce to provide these services, the hospice is committed to providing our patients families and of course colleagues with the very best we have available to us.’’

Viv concluded: “Finally, please be advised there has been a reconfigur­ation of our family support services in line with the contractua­l obligation­s held within our current service level agreement, we will continue to provide a pre and post bereavemen­t service for hospice patients and families.

“My thanks in advance for your understand­ing and continuing support.”

 ?? ?? ● The day hospice, also right and below, which is being demolished
● The day hospice, also right and below, which is being demolished
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