Fundraising drive under way for £5m extension to city hospice

Last week, the hospice in Little Common Lane, Whirlow, was given planning permission by Sheffield Council for its new extension, which hospice bosses say will provide the “very best facilities for both patient care and operational efficiency”.

A main part of the £5m scheme will be 14 single rooms, all with en-suite facilities, which will provide a “personalised and adaptable environment”, with more space for patients’ families to stay.

There will also be two triple-occupancy rooms, balconies to provide natural light and access to the St Luke’s gardens for all patients.

Hospice chiefs say the new designs were created following an “extensive consultation period with patients and families”, which demonstrated a need for both single and mixed rooms.

“Single en-suite rooms will provide dignity and privacy for both patients and their families and will also help in areas such as infection control,” said the hospice’s chief executive, Peter Hartland.

“At the same time our research did demonstrate that some patients prefer the companionship of a shared space and our plans have taken that on board.”

The existing in-patient unit corridor will also be replaced by a wider space allowing “more communal” use.

Subject to the necessary funds being raised, building work is scheduled to begin next summer, and the new unit should be ready for its first patients in 2013.

Mr Hartland said: “We want to be able to offer an excellent environment to our patients and their families, which matches the quality and range of care we provide.

“Without this development, our ability to continue offering services into the future would be under severe threat.

“This project allows us to create a completely new in-patient unit which meets our aspirations and the needs of patients and families – making our facilities fit for the future.”

Mr Hartland added that the main priority now would be the focus on raising the money via a “major new capital appeal”.

He said: “We have already been speaking to some individuals and key organisations across the city about how they can support us and that will continue and eventually extend into a public appeal,” he said.

“However, the success of these plans will depend entirely on the generosity of the people of Sheffield in supporting this vital project.

“Watch this space for details of how you can get involved in supporting this important new chapter in the St Luke’s story.”

The planned extension comes after previous, more costly, plans to move the hospice to a new site altogether were axed.

It was initially suggested, three years ago, that the hospice might move to the Norton Nurseries corner of Graves Park.

However, these plans were unpopular with some residents and, when the Liberal Democrats won control of Sheffield Council in May 2008, leaders said they would block the move.

A planning application was later approved which would have involved moving the hospice to the former Bluestones School site in Sheffield’s Norfolk Park.

But, due to the recession and increasing financial problems at St Luke’s, these plans were later abandoned in favour of extending the current building in Whirlow.

Objections to the hospice’s extension were raised by residents who said their homes would overlook the mortuary and their children would be able to see bodies being brought in and out.

However, the plans were passed last Monday at a meeting of Sheffield Council’s planning board.

Alex Pettifer, chairman of the hospice board of trustees, said at that meeting: “Whatever it takes, we will work with residents to resolve their concerns.”