HOSPICE FOR AGED SICK

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27896, 18 February 1956, Page 2

HOSPICE FOR AGED SICK

PLANS APPROVED BY MISSION WORK TO BEGIN SOON Plans for a 20-bed hospice for the aged sick, to be built as a wing to “Wesley Lodge” eventide home in Park terrace, have been approved by the Christchurch Central Missions board of management. An architect has been instructed to complete detailed plans, including amendments suggested by the Health Department, and to call for tenders as soon as -possible. The building must be started by June 30 so that the mission can qualify for an allocation of £lBOO from the Royal Cinema Performance. Until tenders are received the amount of money needed to open , the hospicfe free of debt cannot be jud-ed. but it is estimated that £5OOO will n*> required, and the mission will launch a hospice building fund immediately With the subsidy of 75 per cent, being offered by the Government for this type of work, every pound subscribed is equivalent to £4. As well as 20 beds for patients, the hospice will have all necessary hospital facilities for the comfort and care of the aged sick. Wards and single bedrooms will face north, and all will have french doors opening on to a terrace, with a ramp running down to the lawn for wheel chairs and beds. A sitting room for patients will, receive the maximum amount of sunshine, and the room will command a view of the Avon river and Hagley Park. Although the hospice will be part of the social service work of the Methodist Church, patients of any denomination will be taken in. All in need of care and attention who have passed the age of being able tG look after themselves will be admitted. irrespective of creed or religious outlook, said the superintendent of the mission (the Rev. W. E. Falkingham) yesterday. “When the hospice is built those admitted to ‘Wesley Lodge’ eventide home will be assured of care and security for the rest of their lives. Many who are too frail and infirm to be admitted to ‘Wesley Lodge’ will go straight into the hospice. It will also be possible to offer temporary relief to relatives caring for their aged sick by admitting these old folk for a number of weeks as patients in the hospice while they have a much-needed holiday,” he said.

As the aged population increases, so the need for hospice accommodation grows. The Christchurch Public Hospital is already crowded with old persons who cannot care for themselves or who have no-one to look after them, Mr Falkingham said.