Construction Industry Collaboration Delivers Lasting Change at St Christopher's Hospice
Hospices
Shrewsbury
Jul 2026
Transforming Perry Ward at Severn Hospice
Severn Hospice provides free, specialist palliative and end-of-life care to adults and their families across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and North Powys, supporting more than 3,000 families each year through its inpatient wards in Shrewsbury and Telford, as well as in the community.
Severn Hospice’s services are funded through a combination of kind donations from local people, fundraising activities, the hospice’s lottery and community shops, gifts in people’s wills, charitable grants as well as grants from the NHS.
The need
To ensure that the hospice’s Shrewsbury ward continued to meet the needs of patients and their loved ones, the hospice undertook a major redevelopment project of its oldest ward, Perry. The project included the construction of a new extension to Perry Ward and the refurbishment of the existing ward, creating larger patient bedrooms, an additional communal lounge area, and more functional spaces throughout the hospice. The redevelopment optimised floor space, improved the overall layout, upgraded the roof and heating system, and incorporated smart technology to enhance patient comfort and care.
The project
CRASH team visited Severn Hospice alongside our Corporate Patrons, Bauder and Mitek
CRASH team visited Severn Hospice alongside our Corporate Patrons, Bauder and Mitek
MiTek carried out a survey of the roof trusses
2nd delivery of Huws Gray bricks for the extension
Kingspan’s Kooltherm insulation installed in the roof
British Gypsum plasterboard for the new internal spaces within the extension
Several CRASH Corporate Patrons collaborated on this project to support Severn Hospice to realise their vision. CRASH Corporate Patrons supported the project with both professional expertise and donated construction materials. In April 2025, Bauder and Mitek joined the initial CRASH project visit to assess the scope and feasibility of the works. At this stage Bauder was able to provide expert advice on the roofing design. Mitek then visited to carry out and create a detailed roof truss survey with expert technical advice on the existing structures, this guidance helped to move the project forward.
Within the construction phase of the project, Huws Gray supplied bricks, skirting, concrete padstone and lintels for the extension. Kingspan Insulation provided Kooltherm Insulation boards for the roof and floors, providing a premium performance solution. British Gypsum supplied plasterboard and plastering materials to form the new internal spaces within the extension, and CRASH Supporter Marshalls provided paving slabs to shape the outdoor garden areas. Together, the support of CRASH Corporate Patrons and Supporters saved the hospice £71,459, including discounted materials and professional expertise – helping to create a modern and welcoming environment for patients and families.
“We are very pleased to have been able to support CRASH and Severn Hospice. The finished refurbishment stands out as a very special place for the patients and their families, with a thermal efficiency beyond regulations to ensure a comfortable environment.”
Marketing Director at Kingspan Insulation
“It was fantastic to see the completed Perry Ward at Severn Hospice and witness first-hand the difference it will make. The ward provides such a peaceful, welcoming space for patients and their families during what can be incredibly difficult times. Being able to contribute, even in a small way, to a project that supports the amazing work of the hospice team is incredibly humbling. Knowing that our involvement will help create a more comfortable environment for those receiving care makes the project especially meaningful, and it is something we can all be proud of.”
Commercial Reporting and Pricing Coordinator at British Gypsum
The outcome
The hospice refurbishment and extension to the Perry Ward have successfully transformed the inpatient unit at Severn Hospice into a modern, sustainable, and future-ready facility, ensuring specialist hospice care remains accessible for adults and their families across the catchment area for many years to come.
The project has delivered significant improvements to both the physical environment and the quality of care that can be provided.
Key outcomes include:
- A fully refurbished inpatient hospice, replacing outdated infrastructure and creating facilities that are fit for the delivery of modern specialist palliative and end-of-life care.
- Expansion of bedroom accommodation providing larger patient rooms better able to accommodate the modern-day aids and equipment used by them and nursing staff. The hospice now has capacity to provide nine patient rooms, all ensuite and with direct access to its award-winning gardens.
- Larger patient rooms that can better accommodate complex medical equipment, clinical interventions and family members, improve both comfort and dignity.
- Modern welcoming communal spaces, including a spacious new lounge area that provides opportunities for social interaction, relaxation and support for patients and families.
- Enhanced accessibility to outdoor spaces from bedrooms to promote outdoor wellbeing and family time for patients.
- Installation of a new heating system and upgraded roof, improving reliability, energy efficiency and the long-term sustainability of the building.
- Integration of smart technologies, including improved lighting and voice-activated devices, supporting patient independence, comfort and accessibility.
- Optimised use of internal floor space, enabling more effective clinical workflows and improved functionality across the hospice.
- Thoughtful design throughout the interiors, creating a welcoming, comfortable and therapeutic environment that reflects the hospice’s values and commitment to compassionate care.
Most importantly, the project has secured the future of the inpatient hospice service, protecting access to 24-hour specialist care for the local community. Patients and families can now benefit from a new purpose-designed environment that offers greater comfort, dignity and support during some of the most challenging times in their lives, while staff are equipped with facilities that enable them to provide the highest standards of care.
“The redevelopment and extension of our Perry Ward has been a major undertaking and we have been grateful for the help we have received. The support of CRASH and its Corporate Patrons resulted in a significant contribution to the costs of the project. From sourcing specialist materials to sharing expertise, they worked seamlessly with our contractors to improve our inpatient facilities which now more than meets the needs of our patients, families and care teams. The support of CRASH has helped us to create a modern facility with private rooms with ensuite facilities and spacious communal areas that will serve patients for decades to come. Their help has allowed us to direct more of our charitable funds towards continuing to provide specialist care for local people living with incurable illness and their families.”
Chief Executive at Severn Hospice
“It was a pleasure for CRASH to be able to support Severn Hospice with this essential project. The new extension and refurbishment have created a fabulous space which is truly welcoming for patients and their loved ones. It was excellent to have our Corporate Patrons and Supporters collaborating on this project, from joining on the initial visit, to providing the high-quality construction products and expertise which are essential on a project of this scale. This was the 1st project our Corporate Patron Huws Gray were able to get involved in and it was great to see such a large amount of support from them. It’s excellent to see the space in full use and to have played a part in creating a space that cares for people when they need it most.’’
Head of Projects at CRASH Charity
“We are delighted to have supported our charity partner, CRASH, on the Severn Hospice project. We’d also like to thank our supply chain partner, Ibstock, for their valued contribution. This project demonstrates the incredible difference that can be achieved when organisations work together towards a common goal. The transformation of Severn Hospice is something everyone involved should be immensely proud of, and it has been a pleasure to play a part in creating a space that will support patients and families for many years to come.”
Head Of Central Operations at Huws Gray
“MiTek is proud to have supported this important project by providing specialist technical expertise and structural guidance. Working alongside CRASH and other industry partners, we helped progress the scheme and maximise the impact of available resources. This project is a great example of how collaboration can deliver lasting benefits for charities such as Severn Hospice.”
EMEA Product Portfolio Manager, at MiTek
‘’We are delighted to have supported CRASH with the Severn Hospice project. It’s a privilege to work alongside so many fantastic industry partners who share a common goal of improving people’s lives through the skills, products and expertise our industry offers. We know how much of a difference thoughtfully designed spaces can make in offering moments of peace, comfort and reflection for people during some of the most challenging times in their lives. We hope and trust that these new spaces provide even more comfort and dignity for everyone who visits Severn Hospice. Supporting projects like this reflects Marshalls values in creating spaces with products that truly make a difference to people’s lives. Congratulations to everyone involved.’’
Head of Group Technical Operations at Marshalls PLC
