Work has started on a multi-million pound project to build the new In-Patient Unit at St Giles Hospice in Whittington, nr Lichfield.

Construction company SpellerMetcalfe of Malvern have been awarded the contract and have begun enabling work at the site off Vicarage Lane. Construction work commences on Monday 28th July to create the new 27 bed facility.

The funding of the £8.5million project has been made possible through St Giles’ Capital Appeal. £6.1million has already been secured from designated reserves, grant-making trusts, gifts and pledges, including a grant of £500,000 from the Department of Health.

Money has also been raised through a number of appeal-specific events.

St Giles Hospice Capital Appeal Director, Laura Pennycuick, says: “We’re immensely grateful for the support we’ve received from the local community to enable us to reach this stage. But we still require another £2.4million to enable us to successfully complete the project, and we’d urge anyone who can help to get in touch.

“Experienced contractors SpellerMetcalfe have successfully constructed 4 new Hospice buildings across the Midlands and we are looking forward to working with them.”

“The construction work has been carefully planned to ensure all those who rely on the hospice’s services can continue to benefit from our care throughout the building process.”

SpellerMetcalfe is delighted to be building the new St Giles Hospice. The company has a great deal of experience of hospice construction and pride themselves on the close partnerships they have developed with their clients during the building process.

Steve Speller, joint Managing Director of SpellerMetcalfe, said: "Excellence is at the core of everything SpellerMetcalfe undertake. As a company we look to achieve the highest standards and are looking forward to working with the team at St Giles Hospice where we are confident they will be delighted with the completed hospice."

The new St Giles In-Patient Unit will significantly extend the hospice’s care by replacing the current 18-bed facility, and offering en-suite accommodation in 17 larger single rooms and three multi-occupation wards for individuals who prefer the company of other patients.

It will also provide overnight accommodation for relatives.

Anyone interested in more information about the appeal – or who know a company or trust which may be interested in supporting the project – can contact Laura on 0121 378 6295.

St Giles Hospice is a registered charity offering high-quality medical and nursing care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses, as well as providing support for their families and carers.

Patients come from across the hospice’s catchment area, which ranges from Ashby de la Zouch and Atherstone in the east, to Cannock and Walsall in the west – and from Burton and Uttoxeter in the north, to Sutton Coldfield and Coleshill in the south.

Care is offered at the hospice's facilities in Sutton Coldfield and Whittington nr Lichfield or in patients' own homes across the region.

St Giles spends over £5.5 million every year providing its specialist services and with less than a third of this funded by the Government, relies heavily on donations and fundraising.