A centre "with a heart"

One of our visitors at the weekend said they felt the Louise Hamilton Centre was a building "with a heart".

This panoramic picture gives you some idea of what the centre of the building looks like. It's designed to make people feel welcome and at ease.

Doors opening on Monday March 4

Thanks to all who came to the open days on February 23rd and 24th. We're just gearing up to open our doors from 0930 on Monday March 4.

For those who of you who couldn't make it to the open days here are some new pictures.

The signs are up!

Great to see the signs have gone up on the Louise Hamilton Centre.

Just over a week to go before we hold our open days on Saturday February 23rd and Sunday 24th from 10am to 2pm.

The doors will open for business for the first time on Monday March 4.

Open Day for the Louise Hamilton Centre

Members of the public can come and have a look round the new £1.5 million Louise Hamilton Centre at the James Paget University Hospital on Saturday 23rd February.

People across Great Yarmouth and Waveney have generously backed the Palliative Care Appeal launched six years ago to build a much-needed palliative and supportive care centre.

Now people can look round the centre, designed by Norwich-based architects LSI, and speak to the staff and volunteers who will be providing services. The public open day on Saturday February 23rd will run from 10am to 2pm.

Some patients and their families live with an illness and its effects for many years and need emotional and practical support. For illnesses where a cure is not possible the focus is on quality of life to help them come to terms with the situation and to live their lives as fully as possible.

The Louise Hamilton Centre will provide specialist palliative care services, advice and support including welfare and money matters, therapy groups, a variety of information about health conditions, support for carers and will also offer complementary and relaxation therapies. 

The centre will also act as the hub for a network of supportive and palliative care services across Great Yarmouth and Waveney and will help signpost people towards community-based services.

The centre opens on March 4 and will host a range of information and supportive care services provided by a wide range of organisations working in partnership: from the NHS, to local cancer charities, patient support groups, and bereavement groups. 

• Why not like us at www.facebook.com/louisehamiltoncentre ?

Louise Hamilton Centre on BBC Look East

On January 22 2013 James Paget University Hospital palliative care consultant Dr Bernadette Auger spoke to BBC Look East chief reporter Kim Riley about palliative care.

Kim also interviewed Roberta Lovick and cancer patient Louise in the new Louise Hamilton Centre about the importance of a centre where people can get help, support and information.