Architectural drawings for the Hospice have been completed and other preparatory work is underway for a 14-bed facility whose footprint will allow for seamless expansion if needed.
The generous support of Barbadian companies and individuals is hereby acknowledged. Contributors included architect Robert O’Neal of Design-Collaborative, architect Tyrone Mapp (formerly of Selby, Rose & Mapp), quantity surveyor David Guppy of Anchor Consultants Inc., structural engineer Philip Sobers of Consultant Engineers Partnership Ltd., mechanical engineer Jerry Date and electrical engineer Peter Jackman, both of ADeB Consultants Ltd.
The initiative acknowledges the Living Water Community (LWC) of St. Davids, Christ Church and Trinidad & Tobago for their support of the hospice initiative and for their willingness to site the Hospice on their St. Davids campus. However, the Covid pandemic and other considerations led to relocation to Coverley. Rose Jackman and Rhonda Maingot of LWC are pioneers in hospice care in the Caribbean and their advice has been invaluable.
Capital campaign fundraiser Neysha Soodeen continues to do yeoman service, obtaining pledges and in-kind support from the Barbados private sector. Fundraising is ongoing and will continue to complete construction and keep the facility on a strong footing.
Construction is expected to commence by late 2024 and operations are anticipated to begin some 12 to 18 months thereafter. This 14-bed hospice and palliative care facility will establish international standards for hospice care in Barbados. Should the need arise, the building design allows for seamless expansion.
