A NEW day hospice is helping patients with terminal illnesses make friends, grow in confidence, learn new skills and make the most of their lives.

The therapeutic and outpatient building at St Luke’s Hospice, in Nethermayne, Basildon, was officially unveiled three months ago and staff, volunteers and visitors are settling into their new surroundings.

The £775,000 development was designed to make best use of the limited space at the hospice site following increasing demand for day care services.

It includes facilities for clinical consultation and assessment, therapeutic activities, physiotherapy, complimentary therapy and a library.

John Tucker, 59, from Billericay, decided to start visiting the day hospice last month after spending time at the in-patient unit.

The former construction worker, who has been fighting thyroid cancer since March 2013, said: “At first when we started using the new areas it all felt very strange and clinical, not what I was used to.

“But now we have been using the building for a while I’m more used to it and it’s getting that lived in feeling, I can see that it has made a lot of improvements.

“There is so much more space and we are not trying to do things on top of each other.

There are definite areas where people can do crafts and, if likeme you are not drawn into doing crafts, there are lots of areas where I can sit and chat, or just be private.

“Because of the good weather we have been able to use the new outside areas a lot already and there is dedicated space for new treatments. I have had acupuncture, and specialist physiotherapy, which has really been of benefit to my condition.

“Having a better building has enabled me to realise more of what the hospice has to offer as it’s more accessible. I really love what the hospice has done with such a limited space.”

Patient Linda Pike, 63, from Basildon, has been a regular at St Luke’s since March.

She was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the end of last year and struggled to come to terms with the condition, but has had a confidence boost after being given a makeover and haircut.

Mrs Pike said: “I love the days I come to St Luke’s and have been surprised by the amount of support and just howmuch fun it is.

“Before coming to the hospice I was very quiet and shy, my illness had changed me from the person I was. I just used to sit at home, but coming to the hospice has turned my life around and turned me back into being a woman.

“I have been encouraged to get on with my life and make the best of what I have.

“The new extension is marvellous and has made a big difference to the feel of the day.

The staff and volunteers are so friendly and make me feel really looked after.”

Most of the two-storey building was funded by the Department of Health, but £265,000 came from grants and hospice reserves.

It is designed to help people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses be as independent and mobile as possible.

Sandra Parsons, who has worked as a nurse at St Luke’s Hospice for 20 years, said: “We are all delighted with the new building. I have seen many changes since my time at the hospice, and this new development far surpasses anything we have been able to offer before.

“We are really excited about our future and the possibilities this new building will give us in helping to support our patients.’’

This week marks Hospice Care Week, an annual celebration organised to raise awareness and change perceptions.