HUDDERSFIELD hospice patients have been reassured: “Our excellent care will continue throughout our £3m refurbishment.”

The comment came after Kirkwood Hospice unveiled plans last week to extend and upgrade its 16-bed inpatient unit in Dalton.

Temporary arrangements will mean patients being cared for in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary while the work is done.

Beds, furniture and even meals will be transported from Dalton to the Lindley hospital.

The major work will mean part of the Dalton site will have to close for a year from June.

But day patient services will remain unaffected, including the support and therapy centre, palliative care, family care and drop-in centre.

People needing overnight care will still benefit from the same high standards offered by hospice professionals thanks to a dedicated temporary suite at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

Hospital bosses have kindly offered the use of Ward 11 for free, which will be staffed and equipped exclusively for Kirkwood Hospice patients by the charity’s own staff.

Plans are already under way to use curtains and to transport the hospice’s beds and furniture to make the ward a home-from-home.

Meals from the Dalton site will be transported to the Lindley hospital on a daily basis.

Kirkwood Hospice appeal manager Marie Peacock said: “All our in-patient team will be moving there. There will still be the same specialist staff – including nurses, a social worker and physiotherapist – and patients will get the same level of excellent care. It will be completely dedicated to us and run by us.

“Patients will get the same level of staffing too, with 1.2 nurses to every patient.

“It will be a challenge for us to transport everything up there, but we are determined patients will not be affected.”

Under the hospice plan, nine ensuite single bedrooms will be created – including overnight beds for families – to help give patients more privacy. A new three-bed and four-bed bay will also be included, as well as a bedroom for family members wishing to stay the night.

The total number of bedrooms will remain the same at 16, but new facilities including a dining kitchen, children’s play area and quiet areas will make the centre more appropriate for modern cancer care.

The proposals will be going out to tender in March and a building contractor is expected to be announced in April.

Now a major fundraising mission has started to raise the £3m needed for the building work – in addition to the hospice’s annual £3.8m running costs this year.

People are being asked to boost the fundraising by buying a brick to remember a loved one in a new hospice garden path.

An open day is also being held at Kirkwood Hospice on Saturday from 10am to 4pm to view the plans and learn more about getting involved.

Further details of the plans and a downloadable fundraising pack are available at www.capitalappeal.org or you contact Marie Peacock on 01484 557911 or by email at info@capitalappeal.org