Building works start at Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech
Work is under-way to extend and improve a vital charity run Fenland-treatment centre.
Following design and consultation which took place at the end of last year, Coulsons Building Group started expansion and redevelopment at the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech earlier this month.
The Treatment Centre based at North Cambs Hospital, and run by the Arthur Rank Hospitce Charity, provides a range of free out-patient care and support services to people with a life-limiting condition and their families, in the Fens. The build project will expand current facilities and adjacent rooms into purpose-built spaces, allowing the specialist team to care for and support growing numbers of patients with increasingly complex needs.
Due to the importance of the care offered to the community, during the building works the treatment centre’s team continues to welcome patients in and out of their day therapy, complementary therapy and treatment sessions each day. Meanwhile, quick progress is being made by builders in the previously vacant adjoining rooms. Existing walls have been knocked down and new ones erected, creating what will be the dedicated treatment and clinical rooms, therapy and hairdressing spaces, office and lounge area.
The project has been predominantly funded through the generosity of The Hudson Foundation, The Friends of Wisbech Hospitals and the Robert Hall Charity.
Plasterers and electricians are making quick progress and the build team is currently on track to complete this phase of the works by the 15 March. The Treatment Centre team will then move into the newly extended and developed areas, so refurbishment of their current facilities can begin on March 25. Internal works are due to complete at the end of April.
Michelle Knight, the centre's matron, explained the critical difference these improvement works will make not only for patients, but also for the staff and volunteer team: “In the last few years, it’s become more and more apparent that we needed to improve the facilities for patients here at the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre. We have a wonderful staff and volunteer team – as recognised by CQC inspectors recently - and I’m so delighted that our facilities will soon match their excellent standards of care.
"The impact of the changes will be huge especially when it comes to enhancing privacy for our patients, compared to what is possible in our current very restricted space. The local community has shown great support for the project, raising funds and awareness, with individuals taking on personal challenges or donating to the Alan Hudson DTC Appeal and local businesses supporting the effort. Some funds remain to be raised to allow completion of the project, particularly for a make-over of outdoor spaces and garden areas."
Businesses and individuals who would like to offer support are invited to contact Project Development Officer, Phillippa Ashcroft on 07766 733062 or phillippa.ashcroft@arhc.org.uk . To find out more about the building plans visit arhc.org.uk/alan-hudson-day-treatment-centre.asp
Many do not realise that the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre is funded only partly by commissioned income, with the remaining amount charitably fundraised by the local community.
Michelle added: "Their support is critical - not only to this expansion and redevelopment project – but also to help fund the Treatment Centre’s daily running costs."
