BUILDING work to complete a new day hospice in Poole is coming to an end – with construction bosses saying the job should be completed next month. (June)

Crews were able to restart work, to extend and fit out the new Lewis Manning Hospice, last week. (May 4)

Firm Greendale Construction Limited has been working on the project since early January, pausing only when the coronavirus crisis forced the shutdown of all building sites.

Since returning onsite, at Longfleet Road, Poole, workers have been following Government guidance on social distancing.

Greendale director Chris Kane said: "We have a great relationship with Clare and the team at Lewis Manning Hospice.

"We’ve been working collaboratively to create a fantastic new day hospice, which is a huge part of many patient’s lives.

"We are respectful of the pause created by the Covid-19 pandemic and look forward to completing the job in June 2020.”

The existing building has been stripped out and both floors have been fitted out.

The top floor will see largely offices and private meeting rooms, separated by glazed partitioning to create an open plan, collaborative feel, says the building company.

A Greendale spokesman added: "Downstairs work is on the way to build a new front extension and main entrance.

"Treatment rooms will form the basis of the ground floor, which echoes the welcoming atmosphere Lewis Manning has built a reputation for.

"The new site is within metres of Poole Hospital, as well as accessible by the majority of bus routes in Dorset."

The project will have taken 13-weeks overall to complete.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a charity dedicated to helping people with life limiting illnesses and their families across east Dorset.

Their services include a day hospice, lymphoedema clinic, better breathing clinic, and creative arts and wellbeing support group.