A HOSPICE is planning an extension and interior redesign to improve the surroundings and services for patients and visitors.

Bosses at East Lancashire Hospice on Park Lee Road have lodged plans with Blackburn with Darwen Council to implement extensive changes to the unit.

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The improvements, which if approved are due to be made in 2017, are designed not just to improve the look of the hospice but to give clinical benefits.

The changes will include the building of a contemplation room and the redesign of the conservatory into an orangery.

There will be changes in the layout of dining and corridor spaces and the development of an informal coffee lounge area.

Also included in the plans are more overnight visitor accommodation spaces, a bigger ‘quiet’ area with more potential for natural light and improved staff facilities.

Hospice chief executive Lyn Stevenson said: “The improvements are not simply about making the hospice nicer or fancier than other places, but rather to focus on improvements on evidence based design which will further enhance our current facilities.

“The plans focus on creating a setting that can support patients families, staff and our communities to experience a caring, effective, safe, and patient centred environment that is fit for purpose both now and in the future.”

Should the plans be passed, contractors will use screens while they undertake the work to keep disruption to patients and staff to a minimum.

This method was used successfully when a new roof was installed at the hospice in 2012.

Mrs Stevenson said: “The objectives of the redesign plans are to enhance the therapeutic environment for patients, families and visitors.

It will significantly increase opportunities for families to interact.

“Bringing people together I associated with wellbeing and normality.

“It will also support our work to demystify hospice services, death and dying.”