Please help refurbish London's Marie Curie Hospice

By Jayne Warren - 20/06/2008

The Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead has been providing loving and highly professional treatment of the terminally ill completely free of charge since the 1970s. The dedication and skill of Marie Curie nurses are legendary, but after more than 30 years of loyal service, the Hospice building itself is now in need of some care - and we are asking Mature Times' readers to help support a refurbishment project.

Called "Project Butterfly", suggestions for the transformation of the building have come from the patients themselves, their families, hospice staff and volunteers -  because day in and day out they are the ones that are directly affected by the condition of the building.

The main need is to maximise dignity, privacy, independence and comfort for patients and their families. At present, many patients are cared for in multi occupancy rooms, which means that some are not being given the opportunity to be cared for in their last few days in the intimate dignified surroundings of a private room. In addition, the windows have a very "institutional" feel, ventilation is poor during the summer months and during the winter there is a problem with insulation so it’s very hard to warm the hospice up. And as well as privacy, the threat of infection, such as MRSA, means that single occupancy rooms are also needed for infected patients.

The hospice also needs to be brought into the 21st century - as times have changed considerably from when it was built in the 1970's. For example, when patients need assistance - such as turning on a light or altering the room temperature - they have to call for a nurse, thus minimising their independence. And patients do not have computer or internet access, which can be vital for the average stay of 20 days.

And on a more aesthetic level, there is no overall consistency in the design and layout of rooms, and much of the donated furniture is impractical and slightly odd-looking.

Yet despite these drawbacks, the care remains outstanding, and it is the only hospice in London to have its own hydrotherapy pool, gym, x-ray and ultrasound services - all of which really do make it special and unique.

The ultimate aim of the refurbishment is to match the facilities and environment to the standard of care - thereby creating not only the most modern hospice of its kind in London, but also a place where old and young alike will feel comfortable in a place of beauty that doesn’t look or feel like a hospital.

The plans?

All windows will be replaced with modern looking pine framed double glazed windows, and 'homely" slammer window sills will replace the “institutional looking” windows. The new windows will also help with temperature control and create a far more comfortable environment for our patients.

Every patient will be able to access the internet from their bedside, as well as special remote controls so that they can control the heating and lighting in their room.

The specially designed single occupancy rooms will mean that patients and their families will be able to share private moments alone in a much more dignified environment.

Timetable and costs

Project Butterfly was originally launched last October by boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper, who famously planted his left hook fist imprint in the cement on the roof when the hospice was built in the seventies. Phase One started in October 2007 with the windows, and Phase Two begins in April 2008 on the south side of the building where the multi occupancy rooms will be replaced by single rooms with ensuite faculties.

The total cost of the refurbishment is £3.4 million and they are already a third of the way - but another £1.2 million is needed by December 2008. It’s a huge feat - but it is achievable with help. All donations, large or small will be acknowledged, and donors can have input into how they would like to be acknowledged for their support. All donations will be listed on the Project Butterfly website, and when the appeal is complete there will be a visual acknowledgement on site.

If you do want to help, then why not visit the hospice and see for yourself what a huge difference the donations will be making for patients, their families, staff and volunteers?

For more information on Project Butterfly, contact Beverley Brock on 0207 599 7307 or email Beverley.brock@mariecurie.org.uk. To find out more about Marie Curie Cancer Care please go to the website linked below.