Thanks to Erika from the Hospice for this latest news. Ed
Care for Isle of Wight patients with a life-limiting illness is set to be improved after Earl Mountbatten Hospice was given the go-ahead to buy a substantial building on its Newport site.
At its meeting on 11th March the Isle of Wight Council agreed to sell Oak House to the Hospice for £325,000. Built in 1912, Oak House is a large building latterly used by the NHS and the Isle of Wight Council, which declared it surplus to requirements a year ago.
The Hospice is already exploring options for the new building as it seeks to develop and improve the range of services it provides to patients of all ages.
Jo Blackburn, interim head of the Hospice, said the purchase of Oak House would be a tremendous boost for the organisation, which has recently expanded the range of services it offers to people with a life-limiting illness, their family and carers at the new EMH John Cheverton Centre.
Mrs Blackburn said,
“It has always been the intention of the Board of Trustees to make the maximum use of buildings on this site as they become available and the opportunity to purchase Oak House is a very welcome one indeed. We have not finally determined how we will use the building at present, but this will be considered in more detail, and with the benefit of more time for consultation.
“We are also in the process of purchasing other buildings and land on the Hospice site as, backed by our wonderful team of staff, volunteers and fundraisers; we strive to offer the very best services for people on the Island.”
She went on to say,
“We are working in partnership with the NHS and Kissy Puppy to provide palliative care services for children and young people with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness on the Island.”
She said.
“The Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group is committed to the development of palliative care for children and young people which can be provided in a choice of venues on the Island, including in the home, in the hospital and at Earl Mountbatten Hospice. We will continue to explore how we provide the best possible services and the purchase of Oak House will give us further options.”
Image: © Earl Mountbatten Hospice
