An ‘open day’ is to be held tomorrow (Saturday) between 2pm and 4pm at the newly-refurbished Ward 1 – but palliative patients will not be able to use the ward until May.
Day services in the former building will begin as soon as possible. A programme of therapies and activities is to be developed jointly by NHS Highland and hospice volunteers.

Staff training is underway, and a ‘local palliative care rolling training programme’ is being developed.
However, the hospital’s general ward, Ward 2, is now in need of refurbishment. Funding has been found for this but, while work is done, patients will be cared for in Ward 1 – the hospice replacement.

A statement from the health board’s Palliative Care Implementation Group reads: “When this work is complete full progression to the new model of palliative care will commence. The group acknowledged this as a positive step for the hospital and agreed the anticipated date of full implementation would be May 2012.”

The group’s chair, Lorna Ahlquist, said: “It is important that we show the public what the new palliative care/supported care environment looks like and how it links to the hospice building.
“We have to do that before patients are moved in. We want people to be aware of the progress that has been made on day services, training and the in-patient environment as we move towards getting the new palliative care model fully in place by May.
“We also would like to update people on very positive developments that have complicated putting this service in place.
“Cowal Community Hospital has just been awarded money against stiff competition across NHS Highland to upgrade Ward 2. This is a considerable achievement in this financial climate and the work has to be done before the end of March.
“Patients will need to be decanted into Ward 1 and Medicine for the Elderly for the next couple of months to allow this crucial work to bring the ward up to new standards.”

Lorna continued: “It is fantastic that Ward 2 can be refurbished. The work can be done now and the fully operational, new model of palliative care service can then start in May.
“It means less disruption to the palliative care service in the future.
“It is important to note that palliative care services continue to be delivered for in-patients and in the community – there is a wonderful community service that we should not forget about, nor the volunteer drivers who do such a wonderful job.
“All are welcome to come to see the palliative/supported care ward this Saturday from 2pm to 4pm.”