A momentous day as our In-Patient Unit opens

From this morning, Wednesday 9th July, we are once again welcoming patients and their families into our purpose-built hospice, designed with comfort, privacy and dignity at its heart.

This is a space shaped by light, care, and what matters most – with 12 private en-suite bedrooms, peaceful garden patios, cuddle beds, and room for loved ones to stay close. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to give patients and families a sense of home.

Lorna, our longest-serving clinical team member, officially opened the new In-Patient Unit by cutting the ribbon this morning. Together with the team, she welcomed our first patient – marking the beginning of a new chapter in hospice care.

We would especially like to thank our partners at NHS Ayrshire & Arran and East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership for their unwavering support as we were temporarily located at East Ayrshire Community Hospital during the rebuild. We’re truly grateful.

As our In-Patient Unit is now fully operational, we turn our attention to the finishing touches to our community spaces – including the Gargowan Café and Gargowan Gifts – where we hope you will join us after they open on the 18 August.

Tom Steele, Chair of the Ayrshire Hospice Board, said:

“I think it’s important to reflect on the past endeavours of others before we celebrate the now and the future. Without them – paid staff, volunteers or Trustees – we would have had no foundation to build upon.

Our standing and importance to the community has grown to be an organisation of exceptional caregiving, exceptional people and now a world-class hospice facility.

This is a great milestone for the Ayrshire Hospice, and on behalf of the Board we are truly grateful to so many for the work that they do to support our charity, day in, day out.”

Tracy Flynn, Chief Executive of the Ayrshire Hospice, said:

“This new building reflects everything we stand for – compassion, dignity, and care. It is a deeply meaningful and special space.

Our new Hospice has been shaped by the voices of patients, families, staff and volunteers, and built thanks to the generosity of our community. Today we open the doors to a new chapter in hospice care in Ayrshire and as a team we feel pride and gratitude, hospice care is our great privilege.”

Above all, our thanks go to you, our generous community – we are here today because of you.