"The Grove is not like an ordinary hotel."
Instead, according to managers, this next-generation healthcare facility is setting the pace for the future delivery of supportive health and care services.
This has the potential to become an exemplar within the healthcare market if other trusts or charities can find the funding to do what we have done here in Bournemouth
Situated close to the clifftop, seafront, shops and town centre of Bournemouth, The Grove is a unique facility offering a holiday retreat for cancer patients and people suffering from life-threatening illnesses and their carers, family members and friends.
Opened in 2011, the facility has 30 bedrooms, all with private bathrooms. One of these is fully DDA compliant and a further two units have disabled bathrooms suitable for wheelchair access. One also has a full body dryer while all rooms have a direct dial telephone, internet access, emergency call button and TV.
The first of its kind in the country, The Grove is owned and operated by Macmillan Caring Locally and aims to provide a retreat for families affected by cancer and other illnesses where they can enjoy time away from home with the support of medical staff in an environment designed specifically to meet their needs.
Referrals are made by healthcare professionals from hospitals, hospices and community and primary care centres.
A spokesman at The Grove said: "With improving treatment, patients are living longer with their disease and appreciate the ‘normality’ of a hotel stay supported by a nurse, as it offers respite away from treatment and appointments and partners can relax knowing a nurse is on site 24 hours a day.
"We help patients and carers by providing support and continually during, before and after treatment; we provide links and district nurse liaison; and we liaise with healthcare professionals on behalf of our guests."
With improving treatment, patients are living longer with their disease and appreciate the ‘normality’ of a hotel stay supported by a nurse, as it offers respite away from treatment and appointments and partners can relax knowing a nurse is on site 24 hours a day
Features within the hotel include lift access, virtually-flat access throughout the building, electric beds and chairs in selected rooms, a nursing office, comfortable lounge areas, and a large restaurant. A beach hut is available by the pier and free coach trips are also provided to local attractions.
The spokesman said: "This has the potential to become an exemplar within the healthcare market if other trusts or charities can find the funding to do what we have done here in Bournemouth."
In just two years The Grove has become so popular that some patients have returned up to five times in a year.
"We give our visitors a chance to mix with other guests in a relaxed atmosphere, when many spend much of the time when at home only ever going out to hospitals and appointments.
"This is also a chance for carers to have a rest from cooking, cleaning etc."
