New hospice opens its doors
THE Herald takes a look at the magnificent new facilities - paid for thanks to wonderful efforts in the community.
WITH stunning views, spacious rooms and quality care, it's no wonder the new Marie Curie Hospice is one of the best in Europe.
The 16.1million state-of-the-art facility has been open for over a month and sits just round from its former 1970s home in the grounds of Stobhill Hospital.
It has been created thanks to a major fundraising drive – the Big Build Appeal – which has enjoyed fantastic support from kind-hearted local residents, community groups and schools who have all donated to the campaign.
At the heart of the hospice is the specialist care offered for people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease and MS.
For many people with incurable diseases, the hospice is a place for them to spend their final days, while others choose to return home to die.
While a hospice inevitably involves sadness, the army of staff and volunteers strive to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and to provide the best of care to patients and their families.
For hospice manager Aileen Eland the new building is ideal for providing 21st-century palliative care.
She said: "The new building is a big difference from the old premises.
"It was designed by architects who specialise in healthcare buildings. There was a lot of consultation with patients, staff and carers to hear what they wanted.
"Some patients don't always want to be in a single room and want some company. Many wanted to be able to get fresh air and go outside if they wanted.
"The feedback has been very positive. I've heard many people coming into reception and say 'this is lovely'.
"We hope that a member of the royal family can come along to carry out the official opening later in the year."
Split over three levels, the new facility has 21 single rooms with en-suite shower facilities as well as three, three-bedded rooms for patients who prefer to share. Each room has access to a terrace with views stretching to the Campsie Fells.
The overall design of the building focuses on providing patients with privacy and dignity.
It also boasts a cafe, conference facilities and a reference library.
As well as in-patient facilities, there are also a variety of services for day patients – from physiotherapy and massage to Reiki and Tai Chi.
There's also support for carers and families.
And specialised clinical nurses provide support and advice to patients and their families at home.
Great-grandad Bill Macleod, from Auchinairn, is recovering from lung cancer. He is one of several day patients who take part in the Tai Chi class.
He said: "When I started coming to the hospice I couldn't walk very far without feeling out of breath, but now I feel much more mobile and even got a dog.
"I think my attitude has helped me get through it."
Jane Hope (47) is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, which has spread to her spine. She is another day patient who enjoys the Tai Chi class and also benefits from massage treatments.
She said: "When the time comes I would rather die at home, but the hospice is a great place."
The work of the hospice wouldn't be complete without its dedicated team of volunteers, including therapists, drivers, receptionists, tea-helpers and fundraisers.
Around half the annual running costs of the hospice – 1.9million – has to be brought in through fundraising.
One of the last big fundraisers for the Big Build Appeal – which still needs 1.5million for the new hospice – is the annual Daffodil Ball.
This is taking place at the Hilton in Glasgow on Saturday, March 13.
Anyone interested in attending or getting involved should contact the fundraising team on 0141 531 1383 or log on to www.bigbuild.org.uk
All pictures by
Gary Hutchison
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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