White doves were released into the sky to mark the start of £9million campaign to transform a Lanarkshire hospice.

The Nine4Thirty appeal has got underway to upgrade St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The plans will significantly improve facilities for patients, increasing the number of single rooms with en-suite bathrooms to give patients more privacy, with space for overnight beds for relatives.

A separate patient entrance will be created providing discreet admission to the wards with improved access to landscaped gardens.

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St Andrew’s Hospice is the only inpatient hospice in Lanarkshire, linking in with Hairmyres, Wishaw General and Monklands hospitals.

Up to 120 patients are cared for each week, under the care of three palliative care consultants, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and complementary therapists.

Alan Cox, whose wife spent three months in the hospice, said: “The difference between a hospital environment to the Hospice, which exudes warmth, compassion and love is huge. It’s vitally important to the community."

Alan Cox, whose wife spent three months in the hospice, said: “Refurbishment will bring greater use of space and levels of privacy.

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“The atmosphere will remain but it’s about moving with the times and accommodating the changing expectations of patients and their families.”

Bruce High, Chief Executive said, “Over the past few years there have been significant changes in how hospice care is delivered and also in the expectations our staff, patients and families have of the environment in which patients are cared for.

“Patients are also living longer post-diagnosis, and these have all been key factors in our requirement for such a major refurbishment."

For details on how to donate to the Nine4Thirty appeal to www.st-andrews-hospice.com. Donations can also be made by sending the text NINE30£5 to 70070. A collection of dove pins are also available to purchase.