North London Hospice is seeking support from the public to secure the final £1.7 million required for its £10 million redevelopment appeal.
The project will rebuild the hospice’s inpatient facility for people with life-limiting illnesses and those supporting them.
The proposed building is intended to provide improved comfort, privacy and dignity for patients receiving end-of-life care.
Rebecca O’Connell, the hospice’s senior nurse and inpatient unit ward manager, explained that the existing rooms are poorly lit and too confined for relatives to gather comfortably.
Access to outdoor space is also limited, despite the benefits of fresh air and sunlight for patients.
Other deficiencies include the absence of air conditioning, which has created increasing discomfort in recent years, and a lack of a dedicated entrance.
As a result, arriving patients must be wheeled through the main reception area.
O’Connell said those approaching the end of their lives deserve a better environment and that staff work to deliver the highest standards of care despite the building’s limitations.
The present inpatient unit opened more than 30 years ago and is regarded as no longer fit for its purpose.
The planned redevelopment would introduce a dedicated patient entrance, suitable heating and cooling, and pull-out beds enabling relatives to remain close to patients.
O’Connell said this would also allow people to continue enjoying familiar activities within their communities while receiving specialist support for pain and symptom management.
Much of the £10 million target has been raised through donations and fundraising, but £1.7 million remains outstanding.
The hospice has asked communities to help complete the project and provide a facility intended to serve future generations.
The charity has cared for 22-year-old Jake, an Arsenal supporter and sports enthusiast who stayed in the inpatient unit.
His mother, Bal, collaborated with employees and volunteers to arrange an early Christmas celebration for him.
Christmas held particular importance for Jake, and Bal said the hospice enabled relatives and friends to join him in marking the occasion.
Family members travelled from considerable distances to attend, while people Jake had not seen for years were also present.
The hospice provided Bal with a private room so the family could share Christmas Day dinner with him in the manner he would have wished.
Bal described the occasion as a beautiful day and said the hospice’s kindness helped make Jake’s final Christmas memorable.
Jake later died from a brain tumour.
Bal said his admission brought comfort to the family during an immensely difficult period.
She knew she was losing him, but also felt he had finally reached a safe, calm and caring place.
The team settled him quickly, relieved his pain and created an atmosphere of gentleness and peace.
After a week, Jake believed he was staying in a hotel, which Bal said reflected the compassionate environment established by staff.
The hospice is now seeking public support to close the remaining gap in its redevelopment campaign.