Thanks to a recent government grant that specifically recognises the current financial challenges facing the hospice sector, St Barnabas Hospice is investing in the essential refurbishment of its Wellbeing Centre at Hawthorn Road in Lincoln. Works are due to take place between 10th September – 28th November 2025.
The government grant is restricted to capital programmes that ensure patients receive the best possible care, such as investment in buildings, equipment, software, and IT.
The grant received is going towards refurbishing the Wellbeing Centre in Lincoln to enhance patient and community experience, following service-user feedback and consultation with staff. Future projects include modernising the website to enhance payment systems, investment in e-prescribing to improve efficiency and patient safety, introducing a new shop in Grantham to support income generation, and updating IT equipment to improve cybersecurity measures.
St Barnabas’ Wellbeing Centres provide a range of services and groups, from counselling sessions to coffee mornings, with the aim of improving mental health, combatting social isolation, alleviating financial worries, boosting physical wellness and much more. People like Ron visit the centre to support with wellbeing after a terminal diagnosis.
Ron says: “I’ve accessed most of the services at St Barnabas. I’ve done Tai Chi; I’ve had sleeping classes for sleeping problems. My wife and I have had relaxation sessions together. And at the moment, I’m doing singing lessons. The service St Barnabas has given me over the years has been absolutely fantastic. I’ve had so much support.”
Rebecca Franks, Director of Patient Care at St Barnabas, says: “We are spending every penny wisely to ensure that the Hospice UK grant is used to support patients and families.
“This grant is allowing us to invest in our infrastructure, ensuring patients and their loved ones receive the highest quality support in the most comfortable settings. We are working very closely with our contractors and project delivery team to minimise disruption to our patients, staff, and the wider healthcare community.
“While this one-off investment has been very welcome, these monies do not specifically support the delivery of vital services, and St Barnabas is continuing to experience an increasingly challenging and uncertain time. We currently receive just 44% statutory funding, and with rising running costs of £40,000 per day, this is not financially sustainable.
“The future of Hospice care depends on government action to ensure it is properly supported. We’re hopeful that this first step will inspire robust investment in our sector to ensure the long-term sustainability of Hospice services.”
Refurbishment begins 10th September 2025 and will be completed by 28th November 2025. The Wellbeing Centre will temporarily close from 13th October for seven weeks to safely execute these essential works. Services and community groups will be moved to Sudbrooke Drive Community Centre during this period of closure.
The refurbishment project is expected to deliver the following benefits:
• Improved wayfinding to support visitors with Dementia and Alzheimer’s and allow those with sight issues to easily identify areas.
• Introducing LED motion sensor lighting, as a more environmentally friendly option and to reduce running costs.
• More accessible toilet space on the ground floor.
• Rooms will be improved to create multi-purpose spaces, with handwashing facilities, enabling them to be used for both clinical and non-clinical purposes.
• Resurfacing of car park areas and pathway to the building entrance to improve accessibility.
• Replacing all sanitaryware and flooring, and a redecoration of the building to enhance the interior, making the environment feel less clinical for patients and visitors.