A hospice has unveiled a multi-million-pound project to provide an extra six beds and a nurse training centre.
Oakhaven, the only facility of its type in the New Forest, has applied for planning permission to expand its in-patient unit (IPU), increasing the number of beds from ten to 16.
The Lymington hospice is also seeking consent for a two-storey education centre where people can "gain and share" knowledge.
A design and access statement that forms part of the application says the proposed new IPU will provide Oakhaven with an extra six beds.
Part of the current single-storey building is used to provide storage and staff facilities, including a changing room and a care agency office.
"The building was not designed to accommodate these uses and the spaces are neither functional nor enjoyable to occupy."
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If Oakhaven's application is approved, the ground floor of the proposed new building will house en-suite bedrooms designed to meet current care standards. The first and second floors will house staff facilities, "critically needed" office space, and storage space for medical supplies.
The statement outlines Oakhaven's vision for the future.
It says the new IPU will be a purpose-built ward providing exceptional care in a non-clinical environment, plus direct access to mature gardens. The other new building will deliver "leading health and nursing care education".
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Oakhaven has already secured £2.2m of funding for the scheme.
Andrew Ryde, the hospice's chief executive, said: "Certain donations and grants have been made specifically for future-proofing and longer-term investment in the hospice to ensure our facilities remain able to keep up with service demand in our catchment area.
“It is proposed that the additional six in-patient beds are nurse-led rather than consultant-led and therefore running costs are likely to be met by the NHS, rather than adding to our annual costs.
"Any new development will only be carried out in a sustainable manner and consideration will always be given to ensuring we are able to meet our running costs as a first priority.
"The decision as to when to start this project will be in line with these priorities.
"We continue to manage all our costs as effectively as we can whilst maintaining the highest levels of specialist care for patients at end-of-life and their families, completely free of charge.
“Last year we cared for 1,400 patients and their families at the hospice and in their own homes."
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