UK’s first – not for profit – hotel for sufferers of life-limiting illnesses
20 Aug. 2014When looking for a meeting location for our new local Patient Support Group in Bournemouth, we came across a very special hotel – the Grove. Not only does it cater exclusively for cancer patients – it is also a charity – and operates on a not for profit basis.
MDS UK will now start holding it Bournemouth local meetings there – from November 2014.
We would like to thank the Grove for their assistance and cooperation in setting up our meetings there – and look forward to meeting the staff and enjoying the location with our MDS UK patient members.
And we’d like to share the information about this unique hotel with our readers – as the Grove is the UK’s only not for profit hotel for use exclusively by sufferers of Cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, specially adapted to the needs of their guests.
Here are their full details – and a description of services:
The Grove Bournemouth Hotel
UK’s exclusive hotel created for sufferers of life-limiting illnesses
The seaside resort of Bournemouth is the idyllic setting to escape from the world for a while. For Cancer sufferers, often that is exactly what is required – taking their mind off their illness and getting away for a short, well-deserved break. With first class care in mind, The Grove Hotel in Bournemouth has recently been launched, serving as the UK’s only hotel of its kind exclusively for use by sufferers of Cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.
Previously, Albany Lodge was launched to serve this market, and had been running for over 25 years. However, with growing demand, the Albany was no longer fit for purpose and a new and even more charming site needed to be found – resulting in the launch of The Grove.
Situated on Bournemouth’s leafy East Cliff, and just minutes away from the town’s famous 7 miles of golden beaches, The Grove Hotel was created as a haven offering a week or two away from the tough business of getting well, and simply focuses on recuperation and relaxation. During their stay, guests of the hotel will enjoy evenings of entertainment arranged by the hotel and exceptional dining laid on by their team of talented chefs, who are entirely mindful and trained to deal with any specific dietary requirements which are products of the guests’ illnesses.
To the delight of guests, The Grove has a dedicated beach hut in a prime location so that guests can take advantage of the sunshine in the ultimate comfort. To enhance their stay, complimentary coach tours are arranged by the Hotel to allow guests to explore the surrounding areas of the New Forest and the Purbeck and Jurassic coast.
Given its focus on healthcare, The Grove has a duty nurse available 24 hours a day. They are on hand to offer guidance and support and to arrange any services that they may require. The Grove is owned and operated by Macmillan Caring Locally based in Christchurch Dorset, whose aim is to support people suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses, as well as members of their family and carers. As the hotel is a registered charity, they welcome support and donations to help them provide outstanding breaks for their guests.
General Manager of The Grove Hotel, Brenden Howard, spoke about the idea behind the property: “Our aim was to create the UK’s leading hotel exclusively for sufferers of life-threatening diseases. Of course we welcome their family or carers to join them at the hotel which will hopefully enhance their stay. We strive to offer a serenely peaceful and enriching holiday, whilst offering the highest level of service and care.”
Hotel guest, Gillian Burr, commented on her stay: “The staff at The Grove are just wonderful – nothing is too much trouble for them! The food was also fantastic – such a lovely variety every day! This is exactly what I needed to take my mind off things for a week, and I cannot wait for my next holiday here.”
For more information, visit www.thegrovebournemouth.co.uk.
Please click here if you’d like to download their leaflet: The Grove – leaflet, do you need a holiday?
We look forward to our first Bournemouth Group meeting on 12th November – click here for details about the meeting.