Rowley Regis Hospice officially opened

The Heart of Sandwell Day Hospice at Rowley Regis Hospital started operating in April.

But at a ceremony, Rowley Regis and Halesowen MP James Morris unveiled a plaque to mark its opening.

Mr Morris also met patients and staff.

The hospice provides care to people suffering life-limiting illnesses including cancer. It is currently open from Monday to Wednesday.

Guests at the event included Richard Samuda, chairman of Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospice.

The trust was the subject of a critical inspection report by the Care Quality Commission this week.

The report was published today, with the trust rated as requiring improvement.

Mr Samuda said the hospice was a service that the whole community should be proud of.

He said: “We are very proud of our Heart of Sandwell Day Hospice service and the team at Rowley Regis Hospital – it reflects a long-term contract relationship with the Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group.

Mr Morris said: “It is really good to see additional services coming into this small intimate hospital.

“The patients seem in really good spirits and you can tell they feel relaxed.

He added: “One of the advantages of having it located at Rowley is the complementary services that are available. I think it’s a really good integrated package.

“Every time I come to Rowley Regis Hospital, I get a really good sense of the compassionate care that is being delivered here.

“It has a really good atmosphere and you can see that the staff are committed.”

Patient Anne Bancroft, aged 61, who sufferers heart failure, said: “We get to do lots of activities which I really enjoy.

“I have met quite a lot of people and I have developed friendships with them.

“Before coming here, I used to feel lonely, but not anymore as I have kept in touch with my friends. The staff are lovely, too.”