Overgate Hospice announces opening date for new Inpatient Unit

As the finishing touches to the interiors and the grounds and gardens take place, the hospice is looking forward to welcoming patients and families into these brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities.

The opening will represent a significant moment for Overgate and for the community it serves, following years of planning, fundraising and construction work.

This announcement comes as the Big Build Appeal reaches a remarkable financial milestone, with Overgate Hospice now confident that it has raised enough to cover the project as it stands, including the final stages of the redevelopment, despite the challenging financial climate and wider pressures beyond its control.

Since launching the appeal in April 2024, the Hospice has been overwhelmed by the support it has received from the Calderdale community as well as from businesses, trusts and foundations from across the country.

Supporters have funded specific areas of the build, organised Big Brew events, taken on the Big Leap skydive challenge and given so generously to help bring the new hospice to life.

The incredible support received has also allowed Overgate to enhance the environment beyond the original plans. This includes more cuddle beds than originally planned, and expanded interior design plans so that the circulation areas, family spaces and new reception feel warm, welcoming and homely too.

Tracey Wilcocks, Chief Executive of Overgate Hospice, said: “This is such an exciting moment for Overgate Hospice and for everyone who has supported the Big Build journey.

"To be able to announce the opening date for the new Inpatient Unit is a wonderful milestone and one that will mean so much to our community.

“We have been overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity and belief shown by people from across Calderdale and beyond. What began as an ambitious vision has become a reality thanks to the support of so many individuals, businesses, trusts and foundations.

“The new Inpatient Unit is looking fantastic, and we are so grateful to Marshall Construction for the care and commitment they have shown throughout this very special project.

"Their professionalism and partnership have helped bring the vision to life in a way that reflects the dignity and warmth we want every patient and family to feel when they walk through our doors.”

Once the current Inpatient Unit is vacated, work will begin on transforming that space into the new Day Hospice, ready to open in the new year. The hospice will also be offering a small number of opportunities for supporters to look around the finished Inpatient Unit before the first patients are welcomed, with photographs and video of the completed space being shared more widely so that everyone can see what has been created together.

As the project moves into this next phase, the Hospice will continue to focus its fundraising on the annual running costs of a bigger hospice, including the cost of caring for more patients and supporting more families across Calderdale, so that these wonderful new facilities can be sustained for years to come.

Tracey added: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has believed in this vision and stood alongside us. Your support has helped build more than a building.

"It has helped build a place of comfort, dignity and hope for generations to come. As we look ahead to the future, we hope we can continue to rely on the incredible support of our community as we move into the next chapter together.”