POOLE’S Lewis-Manning Hospice has announced details of a recruitment drive ahead of its 24/7 opening in Spring 2016.

The hospice will host three recruitment open days during November in a bid to fill a number of paid clinical, fundraising and retail positions, and volunteer roles.

Since opening its latest inpatient bedrooms, which form part of the hospice’ new building that was officially opened by the Countess of Wessex in May 2014, Lewis-Manning has given 2,100 hours of free respite care.

The bedrooms are being opened on a phased basis, and next year the hospice will finally be in a position to offer around-the-clock care, seven days a week.

Hospice chief executive officer Elizabeth Purcell explained: “Opening 24/7 will also open up opportunities to form a new team.

“So many health care professionals have told us they would like to have more time with patients and at Lewis-Manning we are here to give just that - time to care.

“We are thankful to the whole community for enabling us to have time to care but above all we are thankful to more than 700 patients every year who entrust their care to us - a responsibility we take very seriously indeed.”

For every £1 the hospice receives from the NHS it provides £5 worth of care, said Elizabeth.

A hospice spokesman explained that as well as looking for staff in clinical, fundraising and retail departments, the hospice is also looking for people of all ages who can give up their time to fill a number of important volunteer roles including drivers, fundraisers, retail support, caring support, community champions and gardeners.

The hospice has confirmed three recruitment open days talking place throughout November, on Monday 9, from 4.30-7pm, Saturday 14, from 10am-2pm, and Thursday 19, from 4-6.30pm.

Visit lewis-manning.co.uk or 01202 708 470 for further information.