Planning approval and community support for £1.5m modernisation of Stafford hospice

Katharine House Hospice gets the green light to upgrade inpatient facilities

Stafford Borough Council has approved plans to refurbish Katharine House Hospice’s Inpatient Unit as part of a £1.5 million modernisation project. Work is expected to begin in spring 2026.

The unit, on Weston Road, Stafford, is 25 years old and plays a vital role in delivering specialist palliative and end-of-life care across Stafford and the surrounding areas.

The redevelopment will provide 10 private, en-suite bedrooms, giving patients and families greater privacy, dignity and comfort. The upgraded layout will also strengthen infection control, reduce noise, and create a more welcoming environment. Staff will benefit from more flexible space to deliver personalised care. All of the hospice’s care services, including the busy outpatient clinics in their Therapy & Wellbeing Centre, will continue throughout the project.

Demand for palliative care is forecast to increase in the UK in the next 20 years. This investment ensures the charity can continue supporting local families in the future.

Recent government capital investment will enable further improvements. Solar panels will be installed, saving the charity more than £15,000 a year on energy bills for the hospice building and the charity’s Business Centre on Stafford Technology Park. The grant will also support upgrades to the hospice’s oxygen supply and increase parking capacity.

The hospice is exploring a mix of financial options, including its own reserves and applications to charitable trusts. A community fundraising appeal is planned for early 2026.

 Carina Lowe, lead hospice nurse, said: “Private rooms will give people comfort, dignity and a real sense of home at a difficult time. They help patients feel settled and safe and allow families to spend precious time together. This development also means we can be there for more people when they need us most.” 

   She added: “Staff, patients and families have all shared their views. We have also worked with   Asist Advocacy Services to make sure the new space will meet the needs of the people who use   it. There has already been community support for the proposed plans, with many people sharing   positive comments online. " (pic: Carina Lowe with IPU care staff)

 Dr Richard Soulsby, Katharine House Hospice’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted that our  plans have been approved and grateful for the strong community support we’ve already received.

“In the coming years, we know more of our community will need quality palliative and end-of-life care, and this development paves the way for us to continue to care in the future.

“This modernisation will greatly improve the experience of people receiving our expert inpatient support at a time that can be so distressing for patients and their loved ones. We will do everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum and will maintain our highest care standards throughout the project.”

Katharine House Hospice will now appoint contractors and confirm the construction timetable. News will be shared regularly with patients, families and supporters.