Improved Hayward House entrance opens to patients and families
Posted on: 9 Jul 2026
The new and improved main entrance to Hayward House palliative care unit, at Nottingham City Hospital, has been officially opened thanks to generous donations to a fundraising appeal.
The Hayward House Appeal was launched by Nottingham Hospitals Charity in spring 2022, and raised more than £1.5million. The first portion of money raised was used to enhance the garden at Hayward House, to make it more accessible for patients and visitors – including those in wheelchairs and beds.
Now work has been completed on the next phase of improvements, which aim to make the main entrance and reception area more warm and welcoming for patients and their loved ones, at what may be a very difficult time.
Sarah Radcliffe, Head of Service for Specialist Palliative Care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We know that arriving at Hayward House can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve focused on transforming the entrance and reception to feel less clinical and more like home – a place of warmth and dignity, not fear."
The new entrance was officially opened by Tony and Wendy Swift, and sons Adam Butler and Daniel Swift, whose famous annual Nuthall Christmas Lights have raised more than £179,000 for Hayward House over the past 22 years.
The family first began to fundraise for Hayward House after Wendy’s father, John Sheeran, was diagnosed with terminal cancer 22 years ago. John received treatment at the centre and the family wanted to say thank you for the care he received.
After officially cutting the ribbon to the new entrance, Wendy said: “It’s so emotional being back here and seeing one of the many wonderful projects the money we’ve raised has helped to fund. Hayward House is such a special place, and we’re so proud of the changes we’ve helped to make here over the years.”
Nigel Gregory, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re extremely grateful to all the individuals, organisations, and families like the Swifts, who have donated to Hayward House to make these improvements possible.
“We’ve already seen the difference the revamped garden is making to patients and their loved ones during difficult times, and now we look forward to seeing the positive
impact this new entrance and reception area will have in helping people feel more welcome and at ease as they come through the doors of Hayward House.”
Ceri Walters, whose husband Lee Walters was cared for at Hayward House, had an emotional reaction upon seeing the new entrance.
She explained: “When life has dealt you challenges, feeling you are in safe hands has a huge mental impact. That not only applies to the human interaction you encounter, but also your environment. This cannot be underestimated.
“The look and feel of the new entrance screams modern, clean, professional, welcoming and hopeful. This is a far cry from the previous look, which upon entering with a very poorly husband, although amazing human interaction, felt tired, old-fashioned, and that the journey being entered into removed all hope. The mindset change will help future patients and families.”
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 each year, including in outpatients clinics, on the inpatient unit, and at a special day therapy centre.
As well as creating a brighter and more welcoming entrance and reception area, the latest charity-funded refurbishment also included a new accessible wet room for patients, and revamped toilet and shower facilities for families staying overnight with their loved ones.
Money raised through Nottingham Hospitals Charity also helps to fund ongoing projects and services at Hayward House, such as complementary therapy, arts activities, and bereavement support and counselling.
For more information about Hayward House, or to make a donation, please click the button below.