SUNSHINE HOUSE
HUMBER NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

Challenge:

Sunshine House provides palliative care services and support for families of children with life-limiting illnesses.

In 2012, it needed refurbishment, which was completed by Sewell Construction. However, we were needed again when the base was flooded during a tidal surge in December 2013.

The facility is owned by NHS Humber Foundation Trust, who provide a safe and legally compliant environment. The services are provided by CHCP CIC.

Development:

Alongside the professional works being carried out free of charge by Sewell Construction and supply chain partners, members of staff from other areas of the business gave up their weekends to decorate other spaces in the centre which were not part of the first refurbishment programme.

Sewell staff also completed a 555-mile bike ride in just five days, cycling from Hull to Scotland and back, raising approximately £50,000 worth of pledges in kind from supply chain partners.

The completion of such a gruelling challenge acted as a catalyst for further support, covering almost the entire bill for the refurbishment.

Delivery:

On completion of the fundraising challenge, we managed the project development for the improvement works, which included a ‘Forget Me Not’ room for families to be together at the end of a child’s life, or during difficult times of their illness. It also included a family room, which could cater for up to three family members, two new bathrooms and additional storage space.

Upon completion of the first refurbishment, Sewell held an official opening ceremony in partnership with the Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Smile Foundation.

The 2013 tidal surge and the flood that followed devastated everyone connected with Sunshine House. The building suffered severe flood damage and vital services had to be urgently relocated elsewhere in the city.

Following a lengthy drying and high-tech disinfection process, Sewell was appointed to carry out the works to not only reinstate the building, but improve the facilities which will benefit families who use services there.

Refurbishment one included:
  • Demolition works
  • Internal strip out
  • New mechanical and electrical services
  • Installation of specialist equipment
  • Plastering
  • Decoration
  • New internal and external doors
Refurbishment two included:
  • A new sensory room, including waterbed, LED carpet, music system and projector
  • Bathroom upgrade
  • Work completed in a tight timescale to ensure the service was back up and running as soon as possible

Results:

  • Sewell staff raised £50,000 to create a bespoke environment for families
  • An average of 97% local labour
  • Six apprentices
  • Completed on time, on budget and safely

I'd like to thank Humber NHS FT, Sewell Group, Citycare, Smile Foundation - who have all helped Sunshine House the fantastic facility you see today.

Andrew Burnell Chief Exec, Community Health Care Partnership CIC