In September we marked the fifth anniversary of our move to Butterfly House in High Wycombe.
Jackie Ward, Chief Executive Officer of South Bucks Hospice, looks back to the official opening of the charity’s new headquarters at Butterfly House in Kingswood Park.
Our charity was based for many years at Pusey House on Amersham Road in High Wycombe as well as Cedar Barn in Hazlemere. But we moved in 2017 to bring all of our services under one roof in a more modern spacious environment on the site of the former Kingswood School.
On 5th September of that year, we officially opened Butterfly House with a memorable ceremony attended by trustees, friends and dignitaries. And, I am pleased to say, we have never looked back since – even though Pusey House was an excellent venue, moving to this great building was one of the best things we have ever done.
Butterfly House is spacious and modern and – best of all – gives our patients and their families a warm and welcoming atmosphere, providing help and companionship in their hour of need. Unlike Pusey House, it has a large and easily-manoeuvrable car park – a small point perhaps for some, but vital to those who need easy access to a hospice.
Since opening at Butterfly House, we have been able to offer new services such as bereavement listening and been able to run lymphoedema treatment under the same roof as our other care support services. Now, we are looking to widen our services to provide more group activities, such as yoga, breast cancer and prostate cancer support and advance care planning for those nearing the end of life.
Butterfly House regularly provides day support for patients with life-limiting illnesses. We help people with palliative care needs at any stage of their diagnosis to adjust physically, psychologically, socially and emotionally to their condition.
Services for patients include treatment for pain and symptom management, lymphoedema management, counselling, physiotherapy, complementary therapy and a wide range of support groups.
One of the things that strikes me is that patients are always telling us how much they like the atmosphere at Butterfly House. Those seeking care are often apprehensive about what they will find in a hospice – but many are pleasantly surprised by the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in our spacious building, and they look forward to attending their next visit.
