Cardinal Nichols opens ward at St Joseph's Hospice

IMage: M.Mazur CBCEW

Source: Archbishop's House

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, has officially opened the newly refurbished St Michael's ward at St Joseph's Hospice, Hackney.

The 15-bed ward design presents a calm, safe and welcoming environment and features social areas, giving patients and families the opportunity to socialise and enjoy meaningful interaction and independence.

The Cardinal visited during the same week as the 'Day for Life' which this year has a central theme of 'compassion and hope at the end of life'. With the debate around issues such as assisted suicide ever increasing, hospices such as St Joseph's are key examples of where we can show love and compassion to those who are receiving treatment as well as those at the end of their lives.

Francis, one of the first patients to stay on St Michael's Ward said: "The best thing about St Joseph's is the staff, they are all so friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. I'm really enjoying the new ward so far, the new space feels so nice and bright!"

Jane Naismith, Joint Chief Executive of the Hospice said: "We had a specific vision for St Michael's Ward, that it would be a comfortable and stylish space for our patients, visitors and staff so that they could enjoy quality time together at such a critical point in their lives. We think we have achieved something special and we look forward to welcoming many patients and families for years to come."

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, in partnership with the Centre for the Art of Dying Well has produced a podcast about St Joseph's, which aims to challenge the stereotypes around just how hospices work.

Read more about St Joseph's Hospice here: www.stjh.org.uk/