Take a break – Ashford’s new Patient and Family Lounge opens
With generous funding from the Frank Brake Charitable Trust, Pilgrims Hospice Ashford has been able to completely transform a space into a beautiful modern and relaxing lounge. Along with the large main lounge, there is a smaller family lounge/over-night room, a new wet room and bathroom. All areas are now open for patients and their families to enjoy.
Mr. Brake and the Trustees of the Frank Brake Charitable Trust wanted to support the hospice with a project that would really help to make a difference to the people of east Kent. They acknowledge that many of our patients (46%) are with us for symptom management and will return home and whilst they stay with us, it is important that they have an area that offers them the comfort of home.
We know how important it is to have a space where people can take five minutes to relax.Heather Sawney, Pilgrims Hospices
Heather Sawney, Pilgrims Special Project Manager, designed the space, basing it on Ashford’s surrounding countryside. The main lounge features the soft colours of apple and cherry blossom in soft blue skies. She said: “I am so thankful to the Frank Brake Charitable Trust. With their generosity, we’ve been able to create a lovely welcoming room at the Ashford hospice.”
“We know how important it is to have a space where people can take five minutes to relax, make themselves a cup of tea. It’s important for people to enjoy precious time together in a non-clinical environment.”
This week Mr. Brake and Steph Senior, Chair of the Frank Brake Trust, were invited by Cate Russell, Pilgrims CEO, to officially open the new lounge. Cate said: “I’m delighted with the new lounge area, I feel sure that families will enjoy taking the opportunity to relax and spend time here. It’s bright and welcoming with a play area for young people, books, a TV area, and a balcony to take in some fresh air.
Every day matters for our patients and families when time is short.Cate Russell, Chief Executive Pilgrims Hospices
“Pilgrims wish to thank Frank, Steph and their fellow Trustees for funding the project and all their continuing support. The Frank Brake Charitable Trust has consistently supported the Ashford hospice from when it was first built.
“Every day matters for our patients and families when time is short, so to be able to have this facility up and running so quickly is just wonderful and a great addition to our services.”
Cate expressed her sincere thanks to everyone involved in the creation of the lounges, for their amazing hard work, in pulling this wonderful project together.
