Building the future of Saint Francis Hospice

As Saint Francis Hospice approaches its 40th year, we announce an exciting building project aiming to improve the comfort and experience of individual patients and their loved ones.

“Next year we celebrate 40 years of delivering the best palliative and end of life care to local people living in our catchment areas of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Brentwood and West Essex. We want to and are excited about future proofing the hospice for the next 40 years,” said Tes Smith, Director of Services at Saint Francis Hospice.

“The need for our services continues to grow, and the Ward Transformation Project is essential to ensure the hospice is sustainable for the future, to bring facilities in line with our care standards, so those on our ward and their loved ones have even more comfort and dignity.” 

The entrance, reception and community space for staff, inpatients and visitors will be transformed and access to external areas will be improved. The four bed wards will be extended to support delivery of care and upgrades will be made to bedrooms, staff, clinical, therapy and ancillary areas.  

Solar panels will be installed, along with sustainable and modern technologies to enhance the environment for patients. This includes features to control humidity, temperature, levels/moods of lighting and bedside oxygen. 

“The existing building was developed in a piecemeal fashion over the years as funding was secured along the way via different grants, donations and legacies,” said Tes. 

“We’re delighted building work will start in Summer 2024 and be completed by Spring 2025 so local people, their loved ones, staff and volunteers will soon benefit from a dynamic and more modern facility with updated technology.” 

Plans are currently being prepared to ensure minimal disruption to service while the building work is taking place at the hospice.  

Find out more at our Open Day

We are opening our doors on Thursday 2nd November 2023 and inviting the public to our open day, where you can find out more about the project and how we hope to improve the patient experience onsite.

During the Open Day, which takes place at the hospice in Havering-atte-Bower on Thursday 2nd November, visitors will meet the team managing the Ward Transformation Project and have an opportunity to view the plans and designs that illustrate how the reception and ward area will be upgraded into a state-of-the-art care environment.

Presentations by the Project Lead, Chris Franklin, will take place at 12noon and 2pm. 

There is no need to book, just turn up!