WELDMAR’S Joseph Weld Hospice is to close for three weeks for refurbishment work.

The 22-year-old hospice in Herringston Road, Dorchester, which acts as the charity’s inpatient unit, is to close on July 25 until August 15 to allow improvements to take place.

Patients who need inpatient care during this time will either be looked after at home or in another setting by specialists, or will be transferred to St Margaret’s Hospice in Yeovil, where Weldmar staff will look after them.

A spokesman said: “In order to continue delivering outstanding care to patients, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust will be refurbishing the kitchen of Joseph Weld Hospice.

“The hospice was first opened in 1994 – and this is the first time that a full refurbishment of the kitchen has taken place. As the kitchen will be unavailable, the hospice will have to close to patients.

“This means that Weldmar will be able to take the opportunity to also refurbish its patients’ rooms – both the four-bedded bays and the single rooms.”

Weldmar said patients and their families will continue to be supported throughout the community, or by staff working at St Margaret’s Hospice in Yeovil.

Trust Chief Executive Caroline Hamblett said: “Patients are at the heart of all that Weldmar does, whether in our patients’ homes, in the community hospitals, within our Wellbeing Centres across Dorset or within Joseph Weld Hospice.

“Thanks to our staff, we will be able to ensure that this patient centred care continues during the three week period that our hospice is closed, wherever that care is required.”

Weldmar says the refurbishment of the patient rooms will bring with it the opportunity for individuals, organisations and companies to sponsor improved facilities – and to be recognised for doing so.

The Weldmar Hospicecare Trust provides care for those facing cancer and other terminal conditions.
For more information call 01305 261800 or email grant.usmar@weld-hospice.org.uk