Construction progresses - In-patient hospice in Herford nears completion
In the heart of Herford, a transformation is underway. The historic building at Unter den Linden 41, once a day clinic of the district hospitals, is being meticulously restored to become the region's first stationary hospice, offering comprehensive palliative care.
Deep construction work on the new building has already been completed, with the cellar walls concreted. An extension is being built on a gross floor area of around 2,200 m², which will include ten guest rooms, a barrier-free elevator, and common areas. The building and thus the hospice are expected to be operational by summer 2026, according to project leader Byron-Leigh Brown.
The stationary hospice is a much-needed addition to the Herford district, addressing the lack of comprehensive care, support, and accompaniment for those requiring palliative care. The initiative is being funded by the "Future in the Wittekindskreis" foundation and a subsidy from Sparkasse Herford.
The interior design of the hospice will be bright, cosy, and homely, avoiding a hospital atmosphere, as emphasised by the project's architect, Kerstin Hensel. Hensel, a member of the management board of the parent company, Diakonisches Werk in the Vlotho church district, recently visited the construction site.
The operator of the hospice is Hospiz Herford gGmbH, a non-profit and joint subsidiary of the Diakonisches Werk in the Vlotho church district and the Herford church district. Hospiz Herford gGmbH is already establishing cooperations regarding general practitioner and emergency care for their guests.
District Administrator Jürgen Müller, who is also the chairman of the supervisory board of the "Future in the Wittekindskreis" foundation, emphasises the importance of the hospice and palliative care idea, particularly in light of humanitarian concerns and demographic change.
Donations are still needed for the hospice. The circle of Herford has set up a foundation fund within the "Zukunft im Wittekindskreis" foundation in November 2023. Donations can be transferred directly to the hospice with IBAN DE9349450120000029090 at Sparkasse Herford, or to the foundation with the purpose "Donation - Foundation Fund 'Hospice and Palliative Care in the Circle of Herford'".
It's worth noting that the building is a listed building and is being renovated and restored in accordance with heritage preservation guidelines. The renovation of the exterior facade is running parallel with the work on the roof and windows. The old building has been gutted, and work on heating, plumbing, and electricity is upcoming.
The head of the house and the position of the nursing service manager at Hospiz Herford gGmbH are fortunately already competently filled. The funds from the foundation will be used for both the planned stationary hospice and the outpatient offer in the circle of Herford.
Hensel emphasises that the stationary hospice is not intended to be a competitive offer to outpatient hospice services and facilities. Instead, it aims to provide an additional, much-needed option for those seeking palliative care within the Herford district.
As the construction progresses, the community of Herford looks forward to the opening of the hospice, which promises to be a beacon of hope for those in need of palliative care.
