A HOSPICE has announced when it will reopen refurbished facilities to families.

Staff at Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green say users will be able to take advantage of its respite and residential services by the middle of May.

Workmen are installing a bigger lift to enable easier access to bedrooms, redesigning first floor facilities to include a wet rooms, a new family area and new bedroom for teens and moving the bereavement suite closer to the family flat for greater privacy.

Families and staff will also benefit from a new kitchen and café on the ground floor.

Respite and residential services have been moved to Holly Private Hospital in Buckhurst Hill while work takes place.

Mike Palfreman, chief executive of Haven House says: “We are so grateful to The Holly, our long-standing supporters for providing use of their facilities as we undertake our biggest ever refurbishment programme since opening in 2003

“The Holly’s generosity has meant that we have been able to progress smoothly and quickly with the building work and continue to offer excellent respite care for our families.

“When the work is completed by the middle of May our families and staff will have a newly refurbished hospice ready to use in our 15th birthday year.”

Therapeutic support such as physiotherapy, music therapy and yoga continue to be provided at Haven House’s Holistic Care Centre.

The hospice launched its biggest ever refurbishment programme of its care facilities in January.