Oswestry: Hope House hospice upgrades sensory room and pool

The two projects have been in the works since 2019, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hope House paused them until it was safe to continue the project.

Various grants of more than £200,000 were offered to the children's hospice in order to offer the enhanced therapy and care that the children with life-threatening conditions need.

From left to right: Activity Leaders Sarah Pollitt and Sara Daniels , together with Jensen Harlock in the sensory room (Image: Ana Cazan)

Hope House physiotherapist, Esme Turner, explained the work that has gone into improving facilities.

She said: "Both of these spaces have been carefully researched by the staff at Hope House to make sure we are giving our children the best possible therapies.

"We have also been giving our staff more specialist training to make sure they are able to make the most of the facilities with the children.

"Seeing children smile, make choices, play and interact as a result of both the pool and sensory room is incredible."

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The sensory room refurb cost £32,000 while the pool refit was £170,000 and both projects came courtesy of 33 different trusts, grants and private donations, including a grant from the Mark Benevolent Fund worth £45,000.

The sensory room, Supernova, has specialist equipment from bubble tubes, LED lights, a swing, sensory soft play and music to suit the needs of all children, and also to relax them.

From left to right: Sarah Daniels (Activities Leader), Kyle Groucott, and Sarah Pollitt (Activities Leader) (Image: Ana Cazan)

"Some children might experience a more hectic day," added Esme. "We just like to put them in the swing or on the mats and let them choose some music and the light that will calm them.

"They can change the type of music, lighting or swap out equipment – it really will be a different experience for every child, depending on their needs."

The refitted aquatic pool was installed by Knockin-based Pave Aways at cost and is a huge upgrade on the old pool which had been in place since the hospice was opened in 1995.

The work has included a total refurbishment of the pool and changing areas, the installation of new plant equipment to run the pool, and new hoists and sensory audio-visual equipment.

The newly refurbished pool at Hope House Children's Hospice with physiotherapist Ulla Chambers, and patient Esme Turner (Image: Ana Cazan)

"We offer many therapies for the children, but aquatic therapy, which makes use of the natural buoyancy, heat and resistance of the water is often the highlight of the hospice stay," explained Esme.

Andy Goldsmith, Hope House Children’s Hospice chief executive, thanked everyone that has offered grants and support, and especially the staff that have worked hard to adapt.

"Both Supernova and the aquatic pool are well loved and well used hospice facilities and play an important role in providing outstanding care to children."