Saint Francis Hospice opens its newly upgraded ward
At Healthwatch Redbridge, we work closely with Saint Francis Hospice and know first-hand the vital role it plays for people across our borough and the wider area. This upgrade is a significant moment for everyone who relies on, or may one day need, high-quality end-of-life and palliative care close to home.
What has changed?
The Ward Development Project, which began in September 2025, has completely transformed the care environment. The ward officially reopened on 23 March 2026 with all 18 beds back in use. The improvements include fully refurbished bathrooms and showers, new hoists to support safe and dignified care, and updated furnishings, lighting, flooring, and TVs throughout. A dedicated therapy room has been added to support rehabilitation and wellbeing, alongside a quiet room offering private space for families. The entrance and lounge areas have also been significantly improved, and solar panels have been installed to make the building more energy efficient.
The project was made possible in part by £764,393 in government capital funding from the national hospice improvement grant, as well as a further £191,000 for recliner chairs, hoists, a new transport van, and improvements to staff areas.
Why this matters
Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North, reflected on what the investment means in practice: the hospice has helped avoid 3,000 hospital admissions by providing the right care in the right place at the right time. That is better for patients, better for families, and a more effective use of NHS resources.
Grazina Berry, Chief Executive of Saint Francis Hospice, put it simply: "Access to high-quality end-of-life care is everyone's right."
We wholeheartedly agree. Ensuring that people in Redbridge and across our communities can access compassionate, expert care when they need it most is something we care deeply about. We will continue to work alongside Saint Francis Hospice and champion the voices of local people as services grow and develop.
You can find out more about Saint Francis Hospice at www.sfh.org.uk.
