Trinity and Brian House welcomed dozens of guests at the official ‘re-launch’ of our refurbished facilities – and now it’s back to business as usual.

In the seven months it has taken to transform the hospice, care has been taken not to have a negative impact on patients and their families, so the building work was carefully phased to allow the hospice to stay open at all times.

With everything now finished, the adult In-patient Unit is back to operating a full complement of 20 beds, and over in Brian House the youngsters are making best use of all the day and overnight facilities.

The transformation has taken the Hospice far away from a ‘hospital’ environment, with rooms whose level of comfort is more like a high standard hotel.

Trinity has also worked hard to become fit for the future around the dementia challenge on its adult unit and has put huge emphasis on the ‘spirit of place’, putting people at ease through the use of stunning local coastal imagery, which also helps connect landscape and memory.

The focus has been on creating an enhanced healing environment, where the use of imagery and colour complements practical improvements such as bathroom re-fits and new window frames.

Innovative ideas on care have also extended to the families who want to stay close to their loved ones. Trinity’s overnight provision has been greatly improved to provide more comfortable surroundings, and patient ‘quiet’ areas have been made more private.

In Brian House, the children have more indoor play and therapy space and now have four ‘themed’ bedrooms for overnight stays. The kitchen has been totally revamped and is proving to be very popular with all ages.

Our supporters Dan Whiston, Hayley Tamaddon and Linda Nolan called in to see the changes – and Dan was able to meet some of the schoolchildren who had supported our Hospice Heroes appeal by taking part in the Reindeer Run.

David Houston, Trinity Hospice Chief Executive said: “Trinity has been transformed thanks to a hugely successful partnership approach. Our staff, the Department of Health, the King’s Fund, our designers, building contractors and the local Gazette readers combined to make a formidable team.

“Closing the hospice during the refurbishment was never an option for us and the success of this project demanded the foresight and co-operation of everyone involved.

“The entire project came in on time (to the day!) and on budget. I could not ask for more and at Friday’s launch it was fantastic to have so many local dignitaries, fundraisers and members of the community here to see the transformation for themselves.”