Work begins on Hayward House garden as part of Hayward House Appeal

Work has today (Monday 8^th April) commenced onsite at Hayward House palliative care centre, as part of the £1.5million Hayward House Appeal.

Nottingham Hospitals Charity launched its Hayward House Appeal at the end of March 2022, aiming to fund a variety of enhancements to benefit patients and families at the palliative care centre at the City Hospital in Nottingham.

The onsite work beginning coincides with the appeal reaching £900,000, with one year of fundraising left to go.

Hayward House is a unique home-from-home environment, where patients with life-limiting illnesses, including those at the end of their life, are cared for by a team of specialist staff trained in palliative care.

More than 1,000 patients are treated at the centre each year, including in outpatients clinics, on the inpatient unit, and at a special day therapy centre.

The first stage of the appeal aims to improve access to the garden, so patients can enjoy the beautiful outdoor space that has been lovingly cared for by volunteers over the past few years – even if they are in a wheelchair or a bed.

As part of this, improvements will include new walkways and widening of existing paths, to allow access for wheelchairs and beds, and a new ‘contemplation zone’ where patients, family members or staff can spend time with their thoughts away from the busy hospital environment.

Money raised through the appeal will also fund ongoing services and support for patients, such as counselling, emotional support and complementary therapy.

The garden improvements, designed by CPMG Architects, are being delivered by appointed contractors Hilton Bodill.

Nigel Gregory, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said:

“We are so pleased that work is now beginning on the Hayward House garden, and we are extremely grateful to all the supporters who have donated over the past two years to make this possible.

“These enhancements to make the already beautiful garden more accessible will make such a difference to patients and their families, enabling them to spend precious time together outdoors, away from the ward environment, and make special memories together. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.”

As the fundraising appeal continues, money raised over the coming months will go towards the second ‘phase’ of the campaign, which will provide a warmer and more welcoming front entrance, reception and waiting area for patients and visitors at Hayward House.

Sarah Radcliffe, Assistant Divisional Nurse, Head of Service for Specialist Palliative Care, and Palliative and End of Life Lead at Nottingham hospitals, said:

“At Hayward House, our focus is on high quality, holistic care – both for patients receiving palliative and end of life care, and for the families and loved ones as well.

“Thanks to supporters of the Hayward House Appeal, we’re pleased to be able to enhance the facilities available for our patients and their loved ones, and we look forward to the garden being more accessible for everyone who receives care at Hayward House.”

Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.