To ensure the Ayrshire Hospice is prepared to meet the needs of our communities long into the future, this project will transform our Hospice offering increased privacy and comfort while enabling us to continue to deliver exceptional care to our patients and their families.

Everything we do is about making today matter and our patients and family's voices are at the heart of the new Hospice design. We go above and beyond mainstream healthcare and our built environment and gardens are very much part of our therapy.

The design of the new building works with the existing landscape to minimise any impact on the ecology of the site and the conservation area setting.

Internally, the patient areas are designed to foster a domestic and homely feel, with all bedrooms benefitting from direct access to outdoor space and landscaped gardens.

The new accommodation will take the form of:

A new In-Patient Unit with 12 single, specialist palliative care en-suite rooms on site, all bright and airy with lots of natural light. Controlled room temperature systems for heating and cooling, allowing each room to be heated exactly to each patient's preference. Rooms will have large glass sliding doors offering unbroken views over our new landscaped gardens. The doors will open wide to allow patients - even if still in their bed - direct access to an all-weather private patio overlooking the garden. Each room will have its own private bathroom and will have space for family to stay overnight - including the ability to create a double bed to allow loved ones to be together.

Family focussed spaces offering bright and open zones for patients and families with additional cubbies and booths offering private, quiet spaces to read, meditate or just be.

A seamless linking corridor between the In-Patient Unit and our Living Well Centre enabling ease of access for patients and bed access.

Clinical and Community Nursing Hubs will bring our invaluable clinical team under the same roof for the first time.

A dedicated and modern space for young people and patients. We've found that the needs of young people with relatives in hospices are often not met. We aim to create a sage and relaxed space with gaming station, laptops, couches, music system and counselling break out area to allow young people to navigate the stress of losing a relative with ongoing responsibilities inside and outside school.

A vibrant playroom for young children. Again, creating a safe space filled with toys and activities that will have a positive impact on the children, their parents and the medical staff. This area will allow children to play, smile, laugh and shout, allowing the child to be a child for that moment.

A discreet, respectful separate entrance just for patients and their families allowing a private and dignified admittance into the In-Patient Unit.

A new Living Well Hub will provide a beautiful and calming environment, offering a wide range of medical and therapeutic support to ensure that patients at earlier stages in their illness can live life as fully as possible.

This will include...

State-of-the-art equipment including introducing a Virtual Living Well Hub to reach more of our patients living in the community.

Modern, less clinical consultation spaces.

Separate areas for activities such as Art and Tai Chi.

2, spa-worthy, complementary therapy rooms offering a range of complementary therapies to patients and their families or carers for much needed R&R.

Dedicated occupational therapy space and gym to help patients remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible.

Our public spaces will be impactful and welcoming including:

External front plaza

A warm reception and seating area

A Community Café offering a welcoming hub for patients, visitors, staff and the people of Ayrshire. Our new café will offer the very best in local produce and hospitality. 

A gift shop offering a wide range of gifts from local produce, crafts and arts.

Going green

We will be installing electric car charging points in the carpark.

We will be promoting the Cycle to Work scheme and providing a secure cycle shelter for use by staff and visitors.

We will be creating a more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable building, helping us to reduce our carbon footprint.

As a University Hospice, with links to the University of West of Scotland, it's imperative for us to have training facilities. We pioneer standards in end of life care through collaboration, research and training. We will create:

Flexible conference space for up to 50 people that can also split into 3 discreet rooms.

Library/ education space.

Our unique outdoor space will provide a safe and peaceful environment that encourages gentle physical activity and can help to improve the physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing of all palliative care patients at the Hospice.

We are creating a Sensory Garden that will allow all five senses to be stimulated. Large bright flowers will appeal to the eye. Beautiful scents from flowers and herbs will fill the air. Raised beds will allow soft grasses and foliage to be touched. Water features will provide the relaxing sound of running water.

Watch this Fly Through of Ayrshire's new Hospice