Shaping the brief for Our Future Hospice

Creating a Hospice that truly meets the needs of patients, families, our workforce, and the wider community starts with listening. That’s why, in late summer last year, we asked our employees and volunteers for their insights on what they’d like to see, feel, and experience in a new building, followed by a wider conversation with the community in the autumn. Through workshops, drop-in events, social media, email, and handwritten postcards, people shared their ideas, helping to craft a brief that will bring the vision for the future St Michael’s Hospice to life.

From the many contributions we received, key themes emerged:

• A connection to nature – spaces with natural light, gardens that are easy to access, and the presence of trees, flowers, and birdsong.
• Welcoming, adaptable spaces – well-designed rooms and flexible areas that can be opened up or made private as needed.
• A true community space – a café where people can gather, a building that feels different from a hospital, and a building with its own unique soul.
• Accessibility for all – ease of movement and comfort, whether using mobility aids, in a hospital bed, or for children and young people visiting.
• A variety of spaces for different needs – tranquil spaces for reflection, comfortable seating, and both private and open areas.
• Technology to enhance care – smart, intuitive solutions to enhance the experience of patients, families, and the workforce.

Beyond these practical features, people also described the feeling they want the new Hospice to create:

• Warm and friendly – a place where people of all ages feel at ease.
• Comfortable and uplifting – a space that is light, calm, and supportive, balancing professional care with a welcoming atmosphere.
• A place with the ‘hug factor’ – a building that embraces you with its atmosphere, leaving a lasting sense of warmth and care.

What happens next?

We’re using the feedback to create a brief for the new Hospice building, which our architects will use to inform a concept design. The brief is the first step in the design process and will help guide the project team to make sure the building reflects what matters most to the people who will use it. We look forward to sharing it with you once it’s ready.

Stay involved

We’re thankful to everyone who contributed to shaping the project brief last year. If you didn’t have a chance to participate, don’t worry – there will be more opportunities to share your thoughts when we reach the detailed design stage, though this is still some way off.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed and get involved in future opportunities. You can also visit the Our Future Hospice page.

The above image includes handwritten suggestions including:

“When my Dad was in the Hospice, he loved looking out at the flowers and birds. It was important for him to still feel the outside world. A garden space is important.”

“Something for Grandchildren to meet and talk about their experiences after the loss of a grandparent. PS. Thank you for looking after our Dad / Grandad.”

“Better facilities and accommodation for partners / the person staying 24/7.”

“There should be a bar for people in the new hospice!”

“Parking bays for families / next of kin of someone staying.”

“Such an amazing place. Couldn’t ask for better care for their residents. Just somewhere warm! It’s important.”

“Plenty of flat accessible garden spaces. Maybe separate units.”

“Family ‘space’. Easy access to a garden and plenty of nature on view.”

“You’re already amazing!”