Health Secretary Wes Streeting Officially Opens Newly Upgraded Ward at Saint Francis Hospice

Health Secretary Wes Streeting opens newly upgraded ward at Saint Francis Hospice

Saint Francis Hospice was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, as he officially opened the hospice’s newly refurbished ward following a major upgrade project.

Mr Streeting, MP for Ilford North, toured the new ward with Grazina Berry, Chief Executive, who showcased the extensive improvements made to the care environment and facilities. Mr Streeting also enjoyed meeting the care team, Steve McClure, the project lead, and Ian Gunn from the hospice Board of Trustees.

“We are thrilled to have officially opened our brand new ward today, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting cutting the ribbon,” said Grazina Berry. “We are so proud of what has been achieved in a very short space of time and can now focus fully on providing the absolute best end of life and palliative care to our communities.”

This marks Mr Streeting’s third visit, having first seen the early stages of development in November 2024 and revisited the construction site in October 2025.

Government funding played a significant role: £764,393 in capital funding allocated from the £100m national hospice improvement grant, and a further £191,000 to replace recliner chairs, hoists, purchase a new transport van and improve staff areas.

Wes Streeting said: “The loveliest thing about being here today is this amazing environment that is providing such an important service for people at the most delicate moments of their lives. It feels so good to think back to the decision we took to release the biggest investment in capital funding for hospices for a generation… and now I’m sat in it, the result of it.

“I’ve followed your journey, from sitting in your office hearing your ambitions, to coming back when this was a building site. The professionalism with which your team went about their work was exceptional.

“You’ve helped avoid 3,000 hospital admissions by providing the right care in the right place at the right time. That’s better for patients, better for families, and better value for taxpayers. 

“While the hospice movement wouldn’t function without the generosity of the public, the government also needs to step up. We’ve delivered big capital investments already through the hospice grant, but I appreciate there’s more for us to do, and that’s the challenge I’m taking away from today.”

The Ward Development Project, which began in September 2025 and was led by the contractor Thornwood Design, has completely transformed the ward. The space has been modernised to create a welcoming, safe and future-proofed environment for individuals, their loved ones, staff and volunteers. The upgrade includes fully refurbished bathrooms and showers, along with new hoists that support safe and dignified care.

The ward officially reopened on 23 March 2026, with all 18 beds back in use. It now benefits from new furnishings, TVs, lighting and flooring, which together help create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. A dedicated therapy room has been added to support rehabilitation and wellbeing, while a quiet room offers a private space for loved ones. The lounge and entrance areas have been significantly enhanced to improve the overall experience for everyone who comes through the doors. In addition, energy efficiency has increased through the installation of solar panels, supporting a more sustainable future for the hospice.

To maintain continuity of care during construction, Saint Francis Hospice developed an Enhanced Hospice at Home service, delivering additional clinical support into people’s homes.

Grazina Berry added, “Access to high quality end of life care is everyone’s right. The Public Accounts Committee’s recommendations make clear the need for a costed, deliverable national plan, and we are encouraged to hear your commitment to long term, sustainable support for the hospice sector.”