First look: Pembury ward transformation plans

‘Outside in’ approach

Maurice Price, father of Ella, who was cared for at the Hospice before her death at the age of 39, is among those involved. He said: “Ella would have loved the ‘outside in’ approach with the references to nature. The Hospice gardens were particularly important to her, and to us as a family.

“The design team listened and incorporated things that might seem small but make a world of difference. Having more sofa beds will be a Godsend, and not just for overnight visitors. Ella’s room didn’t have a sofa initially, but the wonderful team carried one in from another room, so Ella and her husband could cuddle up and have a movie night.

“The designs show somewhere that is welcoming to everyone, no matter your age. If Ella had seen them, she would have thought ‘that’s the place for me’.”

Maurice added: “Thanks to their love and kindness, the Hospice made what could have been a terrible time a normal part of life. This will make the experience even better. After all, if you are in a lovely environment, you know you are valued.”

Surrounded by light and nature

Specialist hospice interior designer Elaine Lewis said: “The aim is to create a light, calm, warm space. These rooms are people’s homes for a time; they deserve to feel special. We want them to feel supported, safe and uplifted, surrounded by light and nature.”

Upgrades include a new-look in‑patient ward, redesigned visitor areas, and refurbished spiritual care rooms. Each bedroom and en-suite will be modernised to meet patients’ needs, while flexible lighting and clever layouts will create a calm, homely atmosphere. Thoughtful touches include the addition of desks, giving visitors the opportunity to work from the hospice and spend more time with their loved one. Guest bedrooms are also being transformed into sanctuaries for families to unwind in with a boutique hotel feel.

Director at KKE Architects Phil Kavanagh says it will ‘bring the hospice into the 21^st century’ with increased daylight to boost wellbeing and technical improvements. Phil added: “If you provide beautiful spaces for patients and relatives, as soon as they walk in, they know that somebody’s given it thought, and that they’re being cared for.”

Five Ashes updates

We have made a number of improvements to the Five Ashes building, including creating a new reception area to welcome visitors, adding an oxygen store, kitchen upgrades and improving the car park, so we can provide care for in-patients with more complex health needs.

We are fortunate to have two sites capable of admitting patients. During the refurbishment, instead of being admitted to the ward at Pembury, in-patients will be cared for at our hospice in Five Ashes.

Once the work is complete, in-patients and their loved ones will be welcomed back to the newly refurbished Hospice in Pembury and in-patient services will continue at Five Ashes, so we’ll have two sites offering hospice care.

Nick Farthing, Hospice in the Weald’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be embarking on this transformation programme, to enhance and upgrade our Hospice sites, with such an experienced and committed team. By improving our spaces, we’ll have more to offer patients and their loved ones and will be an even better place to work and to volunteer.”

He added: “With money set aside to cover the costs of this project, every pound from our fundraising and charity shop income can continue to go where it is needed most.”

“This year, we need to raise £9 million to be there for everyone who needs us, which is why the continued support of our incredible community has never been more valued.”