A HAMPSHIRE hospice that helps thousands of terminally ill patients is preparing to expand.

The late Phoebe Coates founded Oakhaven Hospice in the grounds of her home in Lower Pennington Lane, Lymington, following the death of her husband John in 1987.

Now the rest of her house, Pennington Chase, will soon be handed over to the hospice trustees.

To make the best use of the additional space, the trustees are evaluating the services provided before taking over the remaining rooms.

Oakhaven chief executive Andrew Ryde said: "We want to assess the palliative care currently available.

"This is an essential piece of work which will help us structure the future development of services we provide and will greatly assist us in determining how best to move forward and meet the needs of the community."

Questionnaires have been sent to people who have had a personal connection with the hospice in the past ten years.

Oakhaven also wants to hear from people who may have suffered a bereavement or have knowledge of palliative care but have not been involved with the hospice.

Feedback will be used to develop patient services.

The hospice opened its doors in 1992 and initially treated only cancer patients.

Since then it has expanded into a former stable block and more recently into Pennington Chase itself, where Mrs Coates retained living quarters until her death last year. Since then the hospice has broadened its scope and now cares for people with other life-threatening illnesses.

The community team makes an annual 2,500 home visits and telephone contacts, and more than 1,200 people attend the day hospice each year.

Anyone wishing to obtain a questionnaire should ring Teresa Dack on 01590 613025.