Sobell House’s new extension was officially opened yesterday (Monday 30 September 2019) by Chair of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery.
The hospice, on the Churchill Hospital site, now has a two-storey extension housing a specialist outpatient facility (the Sobell Clinic) and a six-patient ward (the Garden Annex) designed to support patients with more complex care needs, such as dementia.
Professor Bee Wee, Clinical Lead at Sobell House, said: “This project came about as a direct response to the increasing demand for end of life care which is being driven by an ageing population in the county. This new extension will enable us to progress with our strategy to meet this growing need. Together with Sobell House Hospice Charity we are aiming to provide specialist palliative care and support to as many people as possible who need our services across Oxfordshire.”
Clinical and charity staff worked with GBS Architects, Kingerlee Construction and Darke & Taylor Electrical Contractors, to develop a concept for the new building with the aim of providing specialist facilities that complement those of the existing hospice. Georgia Burt, Senior Interior Designer at GBS Architects, said: “Having the relationship between the existing and the new building was really critical, as was ensuring we created the right environment for patients and families.”
Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, Chair of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Anyone who has come into contact with Sobell House and its work will know what an extraordinary place it is. It’s wonderful that patients and their families will now be able to experience their outstanding care in this new purpose-built facility. The hospice is a much-loved part of the Oxfordshire community, and this development ensures that we are able to provide a modern service that our patients require.”
Diane Gardner, Chief Executive of Sobell House Hospice Charity, said: “Of course none of this would have been possible without the generosity of our supporters. Thanks to them, we’ve been able to make the Sobell House building better suited to meet the future needs for end of life care in Oxfordshire. We are truly grateful and would like to say thank you to everyone involved.”
For more information about Sobell House please visit www.sobellhouse.org