Fresh funding drive for state-of-the-art palliative care centre

Fundraisers for a new state-of-the-art palliative care centre are making a final push for support.

Published 31st Aug 2016

Fundraisers for a new state-of-the-art palliative care centre are making a final push for support.

The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice's Brick by Brick Appeal was launched to raise £21 million for a new centre in Glasgow based on the Scandinavian Sengetun model "which will revolutionise the future of palliative care".

Entertainment is to be staged in George Square on Wednesday while a civic reception in Glasgow City Chambers will campaign for the final project funds.

Hospice chief executive Rhona Baillie wanted to build a new hospice that would accommodate young people, their friends and families, without disturbing older patients on existing wards.

Architect Alastair Forbes spent time in a hospice bed in the inpatient unit to try to understand the needs of patients.

The experiment led him to St Olav's Hospital in Trondheim, Norway, where the Sengetun model of care was pioneered.

It is said to be based on research that shows the aesthetic design of a healthcare facility has a measurable impact on patients' wellbeing.

The new Glasgow centre will be the first hospice in Scotland to transition young people to adult hospice care from children's services, the charity said.

Ms Baillie said: "After more than 30 years of adapting and adjusting, while continuing to offer recognised gold-standard care in our current home, we need a new building in which to look after our patients and their families, and in doing so we will become a world leader in the most advanced techniques in hospice and palliative care-giving."