Positive response to day centre plans from Sidmouth Hospiscare

First look at Sidmouth Hospiscare's plans for the old Sidford Surgery, including an extension to create a day room. (Image: Archant)

The charity held an open evening at the premises on Monday for residents to have their say before its trustees submits the proposals for planning permission.

Attendees told the Herald it was ‘much-needed’ and a good use of the building, which had previously been earmarked for demolition.

The plans seek to move the current footpath to extend the side of the building for the creation of a large day centre which will contain an eating area, quiet area and activity area.

The charity will also keep the six parking spaces outside the surgery, including the ambulance bay, so not to encroach on users in Sidford’s main car park.

First look at Sidmouth Hospiscare's plans for the old Sidford Surgery, including an extension to create a day room. (Image: Archant)

Resident Gerald Solman said: “I think it is absolutely fabulous really. It is needed in the area and they have helped me in the past and they are limited at the moment on what they can do. I think it is the finest thing they have ever done.”

Phil Lee added: “It is good they are using the existing building, rather than knocking it down. Hospiscare is a very worthwhile organisation and we are very lucky to have it in the valley.”

Centre users would also be able to benefit from complementary therapy rooms, a therapeutic bath, nurse clinic, counselling rooms and space for carers’ group meetings and for education sessions.

Dr Gill Ryall, CEO of Sidmouth Hospiscare, was pleased with the response and said there had been several suggestions that could enhance the plans.

Trustees of Sidmouth Hospiscare, the project manager and architect spoke to residents at an open event on Monday. (Image: Archant)

She added: “The two key things are: one, increasing nursing and support to keep people in their own homes. The second is to design this day centre with the complementary therapy rooms, therapeutic bath and enable rehabilitation for patients to stay in their homes and give respite to carers to also keep people in their homes as the carers are able to cope. It will also give a better quality of life as bringing them to the day centre will enhance that. We want to try to work with the community as we develop this project and they are on board to see what we are doing. We are really excited to be moving to the next stage and putting in the plans for planning permission.”

Dr Ryall hoped a planning application would be submitted by the end of the month.