Investing in comfort and care: how a one-off government grant is helping St Michael’s Hospice.

Earlier this year, St Michael’s Hospice received the second and final payment of a government grant as part of the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) capital investment programme for hospices in England. This funding is ringfenced for improvements to buildings, facilities, and technology that directly support patient care and must be spent by March 2026.

This grant is enabling essential work to keep our building safe and comfortable without drawing on the resources we rely on for day-to-day care for thousands of people across Hastings and Rother.

What we’ve achieved so far

• Heating and hot water upgrades, including a new plant and controls, so the whole building can be properly heated this winter.
• Laundry improvements with new machines and water tanks to support our in-house service.
• Roof repairs above the laundry and a patient bedroom to maintain safety and comfort.
• Enhancements for patients and visitors, including new curtains, recliner chairs, commodes, and a sound loop for better accessibility.

What’s next

• Planning application for the replacement of 45 windows and four doors to improve weatherproofing, ventilation, and energy efficiency.
• Air conditioning in all patient rooms and ward office.
• Reception and conservatory upgrades with new flooring, furniture, and blinds.
• Reconfigured ground floor rooms to create an additional private consultation space.

Why this matters
Our building is over 160 years old in places and needs increasing, costly maintenance. This grant is a lifeline, allowing us to make improvements now so patients, families, and colleagues can experience a safe, dignified, and comfortable environment today – while we continue planning for the future. These works don’t replace our long-term vision for a new hospice; they ensure we can maintain high standards of care in the meantime, without diverting funds from the services people rely on every day.