b'Designed with DignityTHE FUTURE WICKLOW HOSPICE BUILDINGSo many people have to be considered when providing care forthe terminally illthe dying person, the family and the staff.End of life experiences can be harrowing and emotional for so many of those involved. The aim of the physical building isto make it as comfortable and kind an experience as possiblefor all.Wicklow Hospice Foundation have put huge time and effort into researching and designing the hospice building toensure it is sympathetic to the ethos of hospice care:to allowpeople to live out their final days in comfort and dignity.The design will avoid institutional appearance and aims to create a small scale feel inside.It will be a home from home.Patients and families will have privacy and consideration willbe made for the needs of younger family members. Staff willhave space to not only work but to address the sensitivitiesaround this nature of care. ThebeautifulsceneryoftheCountyWicklowsite The future site of the Wicklow Hospice, overlooking the sea will be exploited as much as possible sopatients can enjoy the uplifting views. Dr. Cuddihy, Chairmandonated by the Columban Sisters,of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation explains,The vital new 12-bed facility will provide a specialistoverlooking the sea at Magheramore service for end of life care, respite, day-care facilities and outpatient clinics for symptom control. It will also provide ajust outside of Wicklow town. program of palliative and supportive care services providingphysical, psychological, social, and spiritual care for patients,their families, and other loved ones.Where possible, patients should be provided with asunny aspect and a good view to the outside.We hope to havesame level double door access to a cloistered outdoor areawhere their beds can be wheeled out into the air if they so de-sire. Small alcoves, sunny corners, strategic use of clusters ofseats both indoor and outdoor should be included to allow pa-tients whose mobility may be limited to take short walks. Itshould function efficiently as a healthcare facility but have ahomey feel.connect2013 | 25'