A major renovation has taken place to part of a hospice.

Eden Valley Hospice’s adult in-patient unit has been renovated, helping make the ward even more welcoming and fit for purpose for local people and their families.

The renovation saw the conversion of a large four-bed room into two high-specification en-suite rooms, enhancing privacy and dignity for patients and their visitors and improving infection control.

The new-look rooms are light, calming and airy, and contain large bespoke bathrooms and ceiling hoists, meaning staff can care for people with complex needs in a comfortable and homely environment.

Jenny Wilson, Head of Clinical Services and deputy CEO, explained why the renovation was so important to the hospice: “The four-bed communal room has been difficult to use during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the required infection control measures, but it also did not afford the privacy many families seek and need at end of life.

“The changes we’ve had made will make a real difference to the people we look after and help us continue to offer high-quality care, love and support to those with life-limiting illnesses from north Cumbria.”

As well as being kitted out with the latest equipment for patient care, the newly created rooms also boast interactive televisions with internet access and direct access to the hospice’s beautiful courtyard garden where birdsong from Hammond’s Pond can be heard frequently.

The renovations, which were carried out by Carlisle-based Cubby Construction, come at an exciting time for the hospice with other projects aimed at improving the experience for patients and their loved ones in the pipeline.

Jenny added: “The renovation of the rooms reflects the ongoing investment the charity is making in both its buildings and staff to ensure we are here and able to provide our community with the highest quality, safe and compassionate care for the next 30 years.

"Much of this investment is only possible due to the generous gifts local people have left in their Wills and we’re touched those supporters remember the hospice and our patients needs in this way.”