A BRADFORD charity has announced its In-Patient Unit will reopen from next month.

Marie Curie Hospice, on Maudsley Street, had to temporarily pause admissions to the unit in November due to critical staffing shortage, which was impacting its ability to deliver specialist care around the clock.

Since then, the charity has embarked on a campaign to recruit more registered nurses, as well as continuing to run its other services and work in the community.

The hospice's staff have also worked at St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds on a short-term basis to help make a difference to people locally in need of hospice care and support.

Following the success of its recruitment campaign, the charity says the current plan is to resume admissions from Tuesday, April 12.

This will start with four beds before they gradually welcome more patients as soon as possible.

Marie Curie Bradford will take referrals from Monday, April 11.  

Sue Hogston, Marie Curie Head of Nursing and Quality in Bradford and Yorkshire, said: “Having recruited more registered nurses, we are delighted to share the news that we are resuming admissions into our In-Patient Unit to enable us to continue to deliver high-quality specialist care around the clock.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, volunteers, and the local community for their continued support.

"We’re committed to working with local partners to ensure that many more people locally get access to the tailored care and support they need and what is important to them and their loved ones.”

The charity’s recruitment campaign continues. To find out more about the roles available, email bradford.hospice@mariecurie.org.uk.

Marie Curie is still calling on communities and organisations in Bradford to help create a UK wide network of Walls of Reflection, as part of activities to mark the second annual National Day of Reflection.

The Walls will be a space that people can visit to add the name or memory of a loved one in the two weeks leading up to March 23.

It will be an opportunity for the nation to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone that died during the pandemic – from Covid-19 and other causes.

The charity believes it is important to talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement to improve experiences at end of life and to help reduce the lasting effects of grief.

For more information go to: mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection