A state-of-the-art Macmillan and the National Garden Scheme palliative care unit has been shortlisted for a social impact building award.
The £7.25m Y Bwthyn NGS Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Unit at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital is on the shortlist for a RICS Social Impact Award 2020 in Wales in the healthcare category.
The eight-bed unit was funded in a partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and their longest-standing charity partner the National Garden Scheme, as well as Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and the Welsh Government.
It opened its doors in September, offering inpatient, outpatient and day palliative care to people in the Rhondda and Taff Ely area of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
The palliative care unit was designed by KKE Architects, who specialise in creating comforting healthcare environments, and was built by John Weaver Contractors Ltd.
Each room has doors designed so a patient’s bed can be taken outside onto a screened terrace if they wish to go outdoors.
It features artwork with the theme of bringing the outdoors in as palliative care patients and their loved ones told the artists they wanted this soothing theme.
The awards will be announced virtually on Wednesday 22 April and the category winners will be put forward for the grand final in London in September.
Richard Pugh, Head of Services (Wales) for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We are so thrilled the Y Bwthyn NGS Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Unit, which was built thanks to excellent partnerships and generous donations, has been shortlisted for a RICS Social Impact Award 2020 in Wales.
“It’s testament to how this unit was created in partnership with patients and carers to offer a warm, comfortable and welcoming environment for people receiving palliative care and their loved ones.”
The National Garden Scheme donated £2.5m towards the unit, with Macmillan donating a further £2.5m thanks to local their fundraising committees and a range of other supporters.
The additional funding came from the health board and the Welsh Government.
Alan Lawrie, director of primary, community and mental health at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, said: “Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is delighted that the unit has been nominated for a RICS Social Impact Award 2020 in Wales.
“The nomination is recognition of the excellent partnership working that culminated in the modern, calm environment that has been created for friends and families of people who receive palliative care.”
Terry Edwards, Managing Director of John Weaver Contractors Ltd, said: “We are very honoured to have been shortlisted for the inaugural RICS Social Impact Awards 2020 for our Y Bwthyn NGS Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Unit at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.
“The collaboration demonstrated between Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Macmillan Cancer Support, KKE Architects and us is testament to its contemporary design and the quality of the finished building.
“The facility will truly make a big difference to the families that have to endure palliative care and it’s been a privilege that John Weaver Contractors Ltd was the contractor of choice to deliver this much needed facility for the regional community.”
Matthew Howell, RICS UK Managing Director, said: “The real estate industry plays a vital role in our society, and our refreshed awards celebrate the positive impact that our professionals can have on people’s lives and the best of what is built.
“This year’s shortlist features some of the finest talent in our profession, and the new Social Impact Awards recognises the significant value these projects have brought to the communities around them.”
For information, support or just a chat, call Macmillan free on 0808 808 0000.
