STAFF at a new Rowley Regis Hospital-run day hospice have been praised at the centre’s official opening.

A plaque at the ‘Heart of Sandwell Day Hospice’ was unveiled by Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris, who met with patients and staff during the celebration.

Since opening its doors in April, the hospice, which is currently open Monday to Wednesday, has helped many palliative patients who have been given much-needed care and attention.

After officially declaring the centre open, Mr Morris, who took part in some of the activities that are on offer to patients, including silk painting and card making, said: “It is really good to see additional services coming into this small, intimate hospital. The patients seem in really good spirits and you can tell they feel relaxed.

“One of the advantages of having it located at Rowley is the complementary services that are available. I think it’s a really good integrated package.

“Every time I come to Rowley Regis Hospital I get a really good sense of the compassionate care that is being delivered here.

“It has a really good atmosphere and you can see that the staff are committed.”

Guests at the official opening event included Richard Samuda, chairman of Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospice.

Mr Samuda said: “We are very proud of our Heart of Sandwell Day Hospice service and the team at Rowley Regis Hospital. It reflects a long term contract relationship with the Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group, and our partners, which allows us as an NHS Trust to innovate with our hospice and community partners in the interest of patients and their families who need tailored respite care.

“We are delighted that this service has received such good patient feedback and an outstanding approval rating from the CQC.”

As well as socialising and taking part in various activities, patients also get to speak with a palliative care nurse, with whom they can discuss their care plans.

Patient, Anne Bancroft, aged 61, who sufferers from COPD and heart failure, said she enjoys coming along to the hospice and has made lots of friends since attending.

“We get to do lots of activities which I really enjoy,” she said. “I have met quite a lot of people and I have developed friendships with them.

“Before coming here, I used to feel lonely, but not anymore as I have kept in touch with my friends. The staff are lovely too.”

Valerie Reed, from Oldbury, agreed, adding: “It’s a great way to meet people and we are always doing lots of different activities.”