Hospice construction nears completion in Herford, with the end goal in reach
In the heart of Herford, a significant transformation is underway. The former day clinic of the circle clinics on Unter den Linden 41 is being reborn as the first stationary hospice in the circle Herford.
The operator of this new facility, Hospiz Herford gGmbH, is a non-profit and joint subsidiary of the Diakonisches Werk in the Kirchenkreis Vlotho and the Kirchenkreis Herford. Jörg Lüdke serves as the managing director of Hospiz Herford gGmbH.
The building, which is under monument protection, is being renovated according to monument preservation regulations. The deep construction work has already been completed, and the old building has been gutted. Work is currently underway on heating, sanitation, electricity, and the renovation of the exterior facade. An extension is being built on around 2,200 m² of gross floor area, which will include ten guest rooms, a barrier-free elevator, and communal areas.
The hospice is expected to be operational-ready by summer 2026, as estimated by project leader Byron-Leigh Brown. The interior design will not create a hospital atmosphere but will be bright, cozy, and homelike.
Hospiz Herford gGmbH plans to strive for a close and trusting cooperation with outpatient hospice services. The inpatient hospice is not intended to compete with outpatient hospice services and facilities, as emphasised by the management. Hensel, managing director of the parent company, the Diakonisches Werk in the Kirchenkreis Vlotho, visited the construction site to ensure the project's progress.
The district of Herford has set up a foundation fund within the "Zukunft im Wittekindskreis" foundation in November 2023 to strengthen hospice and palliative care in the district. Funds from this foundation, along with a subsidy from Sparkasse Herford, are financing the construction of the hospice.
Donations are still needed for the hospice, and can be made to the foundation fund within the "Zukunft im Wittekindskreis" foundation or directly to the hospice. The IBAN for donations to the foundation is DE83 4945 0120 0000 0275 24 (Sparkasse Herford), and the IBAN for donations to the hospice is DE9349450120000029090 at Sparkasse Herford.
Jürgen Müller, the district administrator, emphasises the importance of the hospice and palliative idea, whether from a humanitarian point of view or with regard to demographic change. There is currently no stationary hospice in the circle Herford that offers comprehensive care, support, and accompaniment.
Hospiz Herford gGmbH has already established cooperations regarding general practitioner and emergency care for their guests. The hospice aims to provide a supportive environment for individuals and their families during end-of-life care, fostering a close and trusting relationship with outpatient hospice services.
As the construction progresses, the community of Herford looks forward to the opening of this much-needed facility, set to bring comfort and care to many in the coming years.
