Hospital unit unveils new entrance after fundraising

BBC New entrance at Hayward House at Nottingham City HospitalBBC
Nottingham Hospitals Charity's chief executive said they were "extremely grateful" for the support from donors

A palliative care unit in Nottingham has unveiled a new entrance for families and patients.

Hayward House, which is based at Nottingham City Hospital, raised more than £1.5m after a fundraising campaign was launched by Nottingham Hospitals Charity in 2022.

Some of the money raised was used to enhance the unit's garden to make it more accessible, and further work has been completed on the main entrance and reception area.

The new entrance was officially opened on Wednesday by the Swift family, whose annual Nuthall Christmas lights raised more than £179,000 for Hayward House over 22 years.

Wendy Swift, 59, said the family was delighted to support the centre, which looked after her father 22 years ago.

"We've seen a lot of transformation over the years," she said.

"It's such a lovely place with a lot of lovely staff in here - it's just welcoming."

Nigel Gregory, chief executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: "We're extremely grateful to all the individuals, organisations, and families like the Swifts, who have donated to Hayward House to make these improvements possible.

"We've already seen the difference the revamped garden is making to patients and their loved ones during difficult times, and now we look forward to seeing the positive impact this new entrance and reception area will have in helping people feel more welcome and at ease as they come through the doors of Hayward House."

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