Completion of five-year improvement plan at St John's Hospice

Leading North West architectural practice, Cassidy and Ashton, is celebrating the completion of the final phase of its masterplanning work for St John’s Hospice, Lancaster.

The official opening of the hospice’s bright reception area marks the latest in a five-year working relationship with Cassidy and Ashton. The practice’s work for the hospice has included design of the new-build Oak Centre, used by day patients, as well as ward refurbishments. Patients are now able to enjoy attractive, modern surroundings and en-suite accommodation as well as more accessible bathroom facilities as a result of the improvements.

The 270 sq m Oak Centre was officially opened in 2007 by HRH the Duke of Gloucester. Cassidy and Ashton planned a ward refurbishment in 2008 and designed the Sefton Ward remodelling in 2009. The Westmorland Wing and Lodge Building were also given a makeover in 2010. All of this work was only made possible by the support of a government refurbishment grant.

Architect from Cassidy and Ashton, Dan Brown, commented: “We are delighted to see the finished results of our masterplanning work with St John’s hospice. It is very pleasing to be able to see people now using the remodelled areas and benefiting from the improvements.

“The work has been carried out in phases to allow for minimum disruption to the hospice’s patients and we hope that they will enjoy the results.”

St John’s Hospice chief executive, Jonathan Parris added: “We are delighted with how well the improvements have been received by families and staff alike.”