Butterwick Hospice has made a significant investment to create two upgraded patient rooms at its Stockton site, which were opened by the County Durham Vice Lord Lieutenant, Alasdair MacConachie, O.B.E.
The rooms mean that up to ten patients can continue to receive nursing care at the hospice in a bright, uplifting environment, overlooking the courtyard gardens.
The two rooms, named Wynyard and Wingate, are fully equipped for patient use overnight, including a bed and storage facilities. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, to allow the patient and their family privacy and dignity while they are in the hospice.The names of the rooms were chosen for their local significance. Wingate was the name of founder Mary Butterwick’s home, which she sold to fund the first hospice in 1984.
The opening event was attended by nurses and patients from Butterwick Hospice, and by Mary Butterwick’s daughter Julia Ward and granddaughter Karen Holder. Karen Holder was recently appointed as an ambassador to the hospice.
Butterwick Hospice has three sites in Stockton and Bishop Auckland providing support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The site provides 24-hour care to 2000 babies, children and adults across the region. The hospice offers palliative care on both a residential and a day visit basis.
Speaking at the event, Alasdair MacConachie, O.B.E said: “The Butterwick Hospice has been instrumental in providing hospice services throughout Tees Valley and the surrounding area. They do a fantastic job, and they’ve done wonders for the community, hence we’ve got what we’ve got.”
Judith Hunter MBE, Chair of Trustees for Butterwick Hospice, said: “At Butterwick Hospice, the care of our patients and support for their families is our top priority. We want to make sure that they have a high standard of facilities available to them and that they feel comfortable whenever they stay with us. These new rooms will help us to achieve this.
“We could not have created these two upgraded rooms without the support of the people in the North East who volunteer and donate to us. As a charity, we are reliant on the support we get from the public.
“We would like to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to Butterwick Hospice, as your support has made these rooms a reality.”
To find out how you can support Butterwick Hospice, visit their website https://www.