THE final days of terminally-ill patients at Lymington's Oakhaven Hospice will be made a little more bearable thanks to a government cash boost.

Health ministers have given £250,000 from the Dignity in Care for Older People Programme to incorporate the west wing of Pennington Chase House into the hospice.

Phoebe Coates, the owner of the Edwardian house in Lower Pennington Lane, had given the grounds and part of her home to the Oakhaven Trust over the years following the death of her husband John.

Mrs Coates died early last year. Her final legacy was to give the remainder of her home to the trust.

Now Oakhaven plans to incorporate it into the existing day hospice, located in the east wing since 2001.

Fundraising director Mike Denny said: "This is wonderful news and an exciting time for Oakhaven. The development of Pennington Chase is going to provide some superb new facilities and greatly enhance the range of services already provided."

The money will pay for: An activities room for alternative therapies and activities, such as music and art.

A complementary therapy room that will provide a tranquil area for aromatherapy, reflexology, massage and other therapeutic treatments.

An out-patient suite.

A conservatory extension to the existing day hospice lounge.

A multi-faith chapel plus chaplain's counselling office.

Mr Denny said that as well as providing people with life-limiting illnesses the opportunity to try complementary treatments, the day centre gives them a break from their normal surroundings and also gives carers time to themselves.

"It also gives patients the opportunity to come in and do something socially with other people in a similar position, to talk and to share their experiences," he said.

"It's about trying to improve their whole quality of life during that time when they are trying to come to terms with the idea they are not going to live."

It is hoped to open the west wing in about 12 months' time.