The Duchess of Gloucester has opened the Alan Hudson centre and garden at Wisbech, a day treatment hospice centre.
The centre was recently upgraded at the cost of £275,000. During the official opening, the Duchess met with staff, volunteers, dignitaries and patients.
The centre is run by the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity (ARHC) and has been upgraded to offer better services to those in the local area and across the Fens. There is a new landscaped garden as well as upgraded Living Well facilities.
Matron Michelle Knight who has worked on the project since 2019 said of the Duchess’ visit: “The duchess was particularly delighted with our colourful new sensory garden, which was created by an army of volunteers. She recognised the huge difference it will make to patients, visitors and colleagues all year round.”
The project was mostly funded by the Hudson Foundation with additional support from the Friends of Wisbech Hospital, the Robert Hall Charity and members of the community. Based in Cambridgeshire, the Hudson Foundation makes grants to different organisations, giving them the chance to prosper. As for the garden project, that initiative was led by dedicated volunteer Kim Flint.
Locals will have a chance to visit the centre on 20 August as there will be an open day for the community. Based at North Cambs Hospital in Wisbech, the centre has recently received an outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission. The ratings are given to different health and social care services based on the quality of care.
