Patients and their families are enjoying slick new facilities at St Francis Hospice, following an impressive grant-funded makeover.

Bathroom revamps include new hoists and rails, specialist baths and height adjustable basins to help both patients and nurses.

The decor has also been updated to improve cleanliness and hygiene.

The works – thanks to a �346,000 handout from the Department of Health - took place over 14 weeks, with builders working to a strict deadline to ensure minimal disruption.

The Havering-atte-Bower based hospice was one of 116 from across England awarded cash from the government last year.

Ward manager Sue Lakey said: “Each bathroom now offers slightly different equipment, so there is a choice for patients and staff to ensure the right bathroom is available for the patient’s specific needs.”

Another grant of �9,100 was awarded from financial group St James’s Place, to refurbish children’s rooms.

A locker room was redesigned as a family therapy space, and the family lounge was also refurbished - providing toys and games for visiting youngsters, and a sofa bed for families who wish to stay overnight.

The hospice thanked the donors at a special reception last week.

“This one-off grant was wonderful news as it has enabled us to make improvements to key patient areas of the hospice without having to spend any of the money donated to us by our local community,” said Val Harding, the supports service manager, who co-ordinated the project.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “It is clear that the well being of patients and their loved ones has been at the heart of these refurbishments.”