St Ann's Hospice has celebrated the first spade in the ground for the building of their new hospice in Heald Green. 

The charity has been looking to build a new hospice to replace its current Victorian building.

Construction is set to start in January. St Ann's new hospice will be a complete care facility in Greater Manchester that local people can access, from diagnosis of a life-limiting illness to treatment and beyond. 

"Our [current] building is not purpose-built", said Rachel McMillan, chief executive at St Ann's. "Parts of it are over one hundred years old, and it's not conducive to delivering world-class care."

Emma Dixon, director of clinical services, added: "In many of our [current] rooms, we're not able to provide the privacy and dignity that is needed. [...] Many of our patients have to share a bedroom - for some, that's okay, but for many, having a space of their own is essential."

The new hospice will represent a significant improvement on the existing Victorian building (Image - St Ann's Hospice)

St Ann's is currently fundraising for the building as construction gets underway. As part of the 'Build it Together' appeal, around £900,000 has been raised, almost half of the £2m target.

Located on land next door to the current Heald Green hospice, it will house a 27-bed inpatient unit including individual en-suite rooms and access to private outdoor terraces. The development will also feature modern outpatient and day therapy services, dedicated bereavement and family support spaces, all surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens.

Medical director Dave Waterman said: "I think the [new] building will offer us an opportunity to continue to deliver the best care at a specialist level, and to deliver that care over the next 50 years in the best way possible."

On the 'first spade in the ground' day, St Ann's welcomed people onto the new land, including the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, The Mayors of Stockport and Trafford, The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Mary Robinson MP, and the leader of Stockport Council, who all celebrated with patients, staff, volunteers and local residents.

Jackie Oldham, Chair of the Board at St Ann's hospice, began the event with a welcoming speech to attendees. Jackie said: "There have been many challenges and hurdles to overcome with this project, but the commitment from everyone who has helped us has been incredible. 

"Thanks to everyone here today and those that have helped us to get this far, we are now able to bring to life our founder Moya Cole's dream and develop the hospice of the future."

Rachel McMillan said: "I work with amazing people every single day, and I know what this new build means for patients and staff to have the best environment for St Ann's Hospice. 

"We want to carry on the pioneering vision of our founders and make them proud, the building has served us well for 52 years but we are in desperate need of a new one now to get us through the next 50 years."

Fundraising for the Build it Together Appeal continues and St Ann's still needs support to bring the project to life. To find out more about the project and how you can donate visit www.sah.org.uk/newhospice. You can even pay for individual bricks!

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