St Barnabas Royal Opening - 15 September 2011

HRH Princess Alexandra unveils the special commemorative artwork in Reception, officially opening the new St Barnabas House

Signing the Visitor Book

HRH Princess Alexandra was presented with a posy by five year old India Buchanan, whose father was cared for by the hospice

Her Royal Highness visits the Walk of Life, with Elizabeth Parlett and Jane Harvey-Samuel, daughters of St Barnabas Founder, Dr Gusterson.

We were delighted to welcome HRH Princess Alexandra KG GCVO to St Barnabas House on Thursday 15 September 2011, to officially open our brand new hospice building.

HRH Princess Alexandra was greeted at the hospice by the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Susan Pyper.

Her visit comprised a short tour of the In-Patient Unit, chapel and Day Hospice with St Barnabas House Chief Executive, Hugh Lowson, during which the Princess took the opportunity to speak to patients, volunteers and staff. She then returned to the main Reception area where a small number of invited guests, Patrons, Trustees and local dignitaries were presented to her.

Following the presentation, Princess Alexandra officially declared the new St Barnabas open by unveiling a specially designed piece of artwork on one the beams in the main Reception area. She then signed the Visitor Book and was presented with a small gift to thank her and commemorate the occasion by five year old India Buchanan, whose father sadly passed away at the hospice in 2010.

Before departing, the Princess was escorted by Elizabeth Parlett and Jane Harvey-Samuel, daughters of Dr Gusterson, the founder of St Barnabas, to view some of the uplifting messages in the Walk of Life pathway. Included in the path was a special brick, which was laid to celebrate HRH Princess Alexandra's visit.

The new St Barnabas opened to patients in March 2011 and is a stunning landmark building, which has allowed the hospice to expand its services and help even more local people. It comprises a 20-bedded In-patient Unit housed in five wings, each with four private ensuite bedrooms for patients, an assisted bathroom and a communal lounge.

There is a Day Hospice for up to 18 patients each day to come for social activities, medical help and advice, physiotherapy, complementary therapy and just to have a break. Our team of specialist Community Nurses provide advice and information in the comfort of patients' own homes seven days a week.

The hospice is situated on five acres of beautiful grounds and gardens in a semi-rural location and has been designed to provide a place of security and tranquillity for patients and their families.

Please click on the left hand menu or scroll down for the link to a film of the official opening of St Barnabas House by HRH Princess Alexandra.

You can also view a video of this special occasion on the Littlehampton Gazette's website.

St Barnabas Royal Opening film

Please take a look at the film of the official opening of St Barnabas House by HRH Princess Alexandra. Read*more*-->