HAVENS Hospices has been given a £146,000 Government grant.

Fair Havens Hospice has been given the grant as part of a £40 million grant programme by the Department of Health.

The grant is specifically for the refurbishment at the charity’s inpatient unit in Chalkwell Avenue, Westcliff and will allow the creation of an extra three bedrooms, bringing the total to ten.

En suite facilities will also be added to the existing rooms and more space will be provided for nurses and volunteers.

Although the work is still ongoing, the additional bedrooms will allow the hospice to care for an extra 50 patients over the next year. It is estimated the project will be completed by May 2010.