Posted on: 14 Mar 2023
An appeal to raise £1.5 million for Hayward House specialist palliative care unit, at Nottingham City Hospital, has raised over £500,000 in less than a year.
The Hayward House Appeal, which was launched by Nottingham Hospitals Charity on 30th March 2022, has just reached the £500,000 mark, ahead of target. The current fundraising total now stands at over £570,000, with just over two years left of the three-year appeal.
Thanks to the money raised so far, work will begin on the Hayward House garden in summer 2023. This will include improved accessibility for patients, 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.
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, at City Hospital, each year, including in outpatients clinics, on the inpatient unit, and at a special day therapy centre.
The £1.5 million Hayward House Appeal will help to fund a range of enhancements to the specialist palliative care unit, including improvements to the garden area, a more welcoming reception and waiting area, and an expansion of the centre’s research and training facilities.
An artist's impression of the Hayward House garden
Barbara Cathcart, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said:
“We are so grateful to all our supporters across the Nottinghamshire community who have helped us reach this £500,000 milestone in less than a year. We’re delighted that this means work can soon start on the garden area at Hayward House.
“The current garden is a beautiful space, which is lovingly cared for by volunteers, and we would like to provide better access, facilities and garden furniture to help make the most of this special area. This will give patients and their families a place to go and spend precious time together, away from the ward environment, out in nature. 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 and Palliative and End of Life Lead at Nottingham Hospitals, said:
“Patients and their families are at the heart of what we do at Hayward House, and our staff are proud to provide a high standard of holistic care to patients who are in need of palliative and end of life care, as well as their loved ones.
“The money raised through the Hayward House Appeal will allow us to enhance what we’re able to offer patients and their families, and we’re pleased that the first step of this will involve making the garden more accessible and tranquil for all who receive care at Hayward House.”
Colette Farley and her mum Angela at Hayward House
Colette Farley, whose mother Margaret Farley – known as Angela – was treated at Hayward House until she passed away in November 2021, said:
“My mum received such loving care at Hayward House. The staff there make it a beautiful place, and it will be wonderful to see the facilities enhanced to match the wonderful care that is given to patients and families at the centre.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the work on the garden area begin. It’s wonderful to have a calm oasis right outside when you’re going through such a difficult time, and I think the improvements such as the contemplation zone will really help family members have somewhere to go as respite from the hospital environment.
“The improved accessibility will also make a huge difference, as patients will be able to go out and enjoy some quality time with their loved ones outdoors. I think being able to connect with nature will make such a difference for patients at the end of their lives.”