Director of nursing Jo Boyd explains the planned redevelopment of Les Bourgs to, left to right, Geoff Howard, Bailiff Sir Geoffrey Rowland, Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon and Jurat Mike Tanguy. On the left-hand side of the model is the current building, described by one of the hospice’s founders as no longer fit for purpose. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0911812)
HEARTFELT tributes were paid to Les Bourgs last night at the hospice redevelopment fund-raising launch.
About 150 invited guests attended the function at Les Cotils and heard speeches encouraging those present and all islanders to support the campaign to raise £3m. for the much-needed expansion of Andrew Mitchell House.
A video was also shown highlighting how the planned work will impact patients, their families and hospice staff.
Founders Greville and Lisa Mitchell spoke about the unsuitability of the current building and passionate nurses described how the extension and redevelopment would make it easier for them to continue giving patients top-class care during their final weeks.
‘Without being too harsh, it [the building] is now not fit for purpose,’ Mr Mitchell said in the video.
‘This building has a wonderful ambience but, practically, it is a nightmare for the nurses.’
Planning permission to redevelop the hospice has been granted and the £3m. is needed to complete the £5m. project, which will get going in April and is due to take about 17 months to complete.
Bailiff Sir Geoffrey Rowland told the audience he had no hesitation in agreeing to be a patron of the appeal because there is ‘such a compelling need for this redevelopment’.
He also highlighted Guernsey’s low rate of tax, adding that he believed islanders paid a ‘social rent’ to live in this community.
‘Whether that means putting our hands in our pocket as someone rattles a tin outside a supermarket or by giving a larger contribution,’ he said, ‘it is, in my book, a social rent that we pay on this island. It may mean that our families inherit less – so be it, I say.’
Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon also agreed to be a patron and described the appeal as monumental.
‘It is a huge task,’ he said. ‘But one that I have no doubt, having been here for four years seeing how Guernsey operates, will be accomplished somehow.’
Les Bourgs director of nursing Jo Boyd said the hospice desperately needed a new building.
‘We are running out of time with this building and if people do not give, Guernsey is in danger of losing its hospice,’ she said in the video.
Click here to download the gift form as a PDF
Article posted on 3rd February, 2010 - 11.30am
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