Ardgowan Hospice statement – Temporary closure of IPU

The hospice ward on Nelson Street will be temporarily closed for an estimated four weeks as
we are facing recruitment challenges in senior medical cover. As a result, we are currently
unable to provide inpatient care. We are using this time to look at how we address this in a
robust and sustainable manner, in collaboration with our local HSCP and our Clyde Hospice
partners.

Timing of essential refurbishment projects due to recruitment challenges

Rather than carrying out refurbishments at a later date, the hospice has chosen to complete
these long-planned improvements during this period, minimising disruption to patients and
families. This work is a major and long-overdue investment in our infrastructure alongside
aesthetic upgrades, which is being covered by a generous foundation.

Most critically, it includes vital repairs to our roof to resolve ongoing issues with water leaks.
These structural improvements are necessary to secure our building and ensure we continue
to provide a safe, comfortable and high-quality environment for those we care for.

Furthermore, this period provides a valuable time for our teams to undertake vital learning
and development. We will be facilitating in-house staff training, which in turn should also
identify ways to further improve our future care.

Other services running as usual

Our Community Specialist Palliative Care Team will continue to support patients and provide
services as usual during this time. We will continue to offer advice and reviews as normal
and will look to increase support within our community team to meet any increased demand.
We will be liaising with neighbouring hospices in a timely manner if we feel that someone
requires inpatient hospice care.

We want to reassure everyone that this will be a carefully managed period. Our teams have
plans in place, and we are fully prepared to continue supporting those who need us. Our
ACCESS building will also remain open with our wellbeing and additional services continuing
as normal.

Ardgowan Hospice is still here for you

During this short period of change, Ardgowan Hospice is still here for you. Whether you need
support over the phone or through our community services, our team remains available and
committed to being there for patients and families throughout this time.

“Despite the difficulties surrounding recruitment, we are hopeful for the future as we work
closely with HSCP. We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in our ward building and look
forward to welcoming patients and their families back to our improved inpatient unit as soon
as possible.

Thank you for your continued understanding and support as we take this important
opportunity to strengthen our practice, repair our facilities and ensure we are ready to
continue providing the very best care for our community.” – Graham Gardiner, Ardgowan Hospice CEO

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing
info@ardgowanhospice.org