The Marie Curie Cancer Care Edinburgh Hospice at Fairmilehead has been closed for six months for a makeover. Today it was officially reopened by the Cabinet Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Alex Neil, MSP who marked the occasion in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Health Secretary was then given a tour round the newly modernised facilities. He was joined by patients and their families along with Marie Curie supporters and staff.
Mr Neil said: “The Scottish Government recognises the excellent services that Marie Curie provides for both people living with terminal illnesses and their families at what is a very difficult time. Together, we face the challenge to ensure that people receive the best possible care at the end of life, irrespective of where they choose to be cared for. I am happy to officially reopen the transformed Marie Curie Edinburgh that will allow the hospice to provide the very highest standards of care for people across Edinburgh for years to come.”
As part of the six month programme, the hospice ward block was reconfigured to include en-suite bathrooms in each room, providing accessible washing, shower and toilet facilities for patients. Six of the multi-bed wards were also extended to provide additional space for patients and their families.
Marie Curie Cancer Care provides free care and support for terminally ill people across Edinburgh at home and in the Marie Curie Hospice. The £2.6 million refurbishment was funded jointly by Marie Curie Cancer Care and private donations from supporters.
To access a Marie Curie Nurse, speak to your GP or district nurse. For more information, please visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
