BUILDING work on much needed lodges for patients’ families has officially begun at Prospect Hospice.

The bungalows will allow relatives to be near their loved ones for the duration of their stay in the hospice’s in-patient unit.

The Wroughton hospice was given £452,000 by the Department of Health in April towards the project, which is aimed at bringing emotional comfort to cancer sufferers during the most trying time in their lives, as well as those closest to them.

Yesterday, the ground at the hospice was broken in readiness to build the two new lodges.

Since the news was announced earlier this year, a tendering process has taken place with Beard Construction company selected from several bids.

Chef executive Angela Jordan, said: “This is a significant day, demonstrating our commitment to the continual improving of our care, with the families of patients having the worry of where they will be able to stay removed from them at a time of great concern.

“I hope people will share our sense that this is a very positive development for us and for the community we serve.”

In addition to the two lodges, the construction work will also result in the opening of a 16th bed on the hospice’s in-patient unit, and the complete refurbishment of an adapted bathroom for patient use.

The construction work is scheduled to last into the new year but patient services at the hospice is not expected to be affected during the period.

Hospices care for 360,000 people in the Uk each year, including patients and their families and carers.

Prospect cares for more than 1,850 patients each year and it costs more than £5.4m to provide the care annually.

It receives just 30 per cent of itsincome from statutory organisations such as the NHS, the rest it must raise itself.

For more information visit www.prospect-hospice.net