St Columba’s Hospice has been closed for a time to allow for rebuilding. Well now it is open again! The new buildings are stunning, and have the most beautiful large windows to the Forth.
The first patients have arrived at the new St Columba’s Hospice which has been completely rebuilt over the last two years. The Hospice has now returned to its original location in Trinity, overlooking the Firth of Forth. This follows a period at Gogarbank where the Hospice had been operating temporarily to protect patients from any disruption during the construction period.
The new St Columba’s Hospice will provide the best possible specialist care to patients and support to their families and loved ones.
At the heart of the new Hospice is Challenger Lodge, the majestic Georgian building where the Hospice started in 1977 at a time when palliative care was not yet accepted as a speciality in its own right. An additional nursing wing was added in the 1980’s which provided care and comfort for many people.
With patients now living longer, and having more complex needs, it became clear that the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians needed a brand new, purpose built Hospice to care for them at a time when they needed it most.
The first conversation with the architect took place in 2006, and less than 8 years later patients are again being cared for in the Hospice in Trinity, enjoying the comfortable rooms with balconies and more space to spend precious time with their families.
Chief Executive Margaret Dunbar said: “The building is simply amazing. It exceeds all expectations. It’s been enormously challenging at times but now that we are in the new Hospice we can see that it’s all been worthwhile.”
“I’ve always said that it’s the people that make St Columba’s Hospice what it is and I’m grateful to all our staff and volunteers who have shown such support for the organisation over the last few years and have helped us realise our dream of a new Hospice.”
“My heartfelt thanks go to all the supporters who have helped us get this far. They play such a large part in the work we do.”
For more information about St Columba’s Hospice please see their website or call the Hospice on 0131 551 1381
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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