Exciting next phase of Hayward House transformation set to begin this month
Posted on: 5 Jun 2025
Every year, over 1,000 people spend their final days at Hayward House, Nottingham’s specialist palliative care unit. For them and their loved ones, comfort, dignity, and compassion mean everything.
Thanks to the supporters of our Hayward House Appeal, which launched in 2022 and is nearing its £1.5million target, the next chapter in transforming this vital space is about to begin.
Work on Phase 2 improvements will start this May, focusing on making the entrance and reception area more welcoming and upgrading key internal spaces to better support patients and families. The £600k improvement project will create a space that feels less like a hospital and more like home.
This follows the successful completion of Phase 1 – a beautifully redesigned, fully accessible garden that has already brought peace and comfort to patients and their loved ones. Officially opened in September 2024 by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, the tranquil outdoor space can now be enjoyed by all, including those who are bed-bound or use wheelchairs.
From revamped spaces to additional nursing and counselling staff, those who support Hayward House make a direct and meaningful difference to people facing the most difficult moments of their lives.
Nigel Gregory, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity said; “We’re so thankful to everyone who has supported the Hayward House Appeal, and your generosity is already making a real difference to patients and families at a deeply important time.
“Thanks to you, we’re now moving into Phase 2 of the redevelopment – creating an even more welcoming and dignified space for those receiving end-of-life care.”
Phase 2 works will include:
- A more welcoming and homely reception area to help ease anxiety for patients and visitors – creating a less clinical space.
- Construction of an entrance canopy and improvements to surrounding outdoor areas
- Conversion of a dated bathroom into a modern, accessible wet room, giving patients dignity and privacy
- Refurbishment of toilet and shower facilities for relatives staying overnight – allowing them to focus on spending more time with their loved ones in a calming environment.
These works are part of a wider vision to improve not only the physical environment of Hayward House but also the emotional journey of those entering its care.
“We know that arriving at Hayward House can feel daunting,” said Sarah Radcliffe, Head of Service for Specialist Palliative Care. “That’s why we’re focusing on transforming the entrance and reception to feel less clinical and more like home – a place of warmth and dignity, not fear."
The newly completed garden, finished in September 2024, has already made a meaningful impact – especially for patients who are wheelchair users or bed-bound – allowing them to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and peace.
The enhancements don’t stop at bricks and mortar and thanks to Appeal funding, additional nursing and counselling posts have also been introduced, helping to reduce waiting times and increase access to crucial palliative support.
Help us make a difference
With continued public support, Hayward House can set the gold standard in palliative care. Every donation helps create a better experience for patients and their families at one of the most important times in their lives.
