A rise in the number of patients requiring palliative care is increasing at such a rate that a new, purpose-built facility will be needed to care for a growing terminally ill people, it has been claimed.

Currently, Agape House is the only facility on the Island that provides specialist care for the dying. But according to Friends of Hospice, the charity that raises funds for the hospice, the eight-bed facility housed in an old Paget home could soon be forced to shut down.

A spokesman for the charity told The Royal Gazette: “Bermuda’s demand for hospice care is increasing due to the Island’s ageing population, and it is anticipated that in the near future the charming cottage used by Agape House will have to be replaced.

“Bermuda will need a purpose-built facility that can enable a growing number of patients and their families to experience the end of life in an environment of dignity, peace, personalised care and comfort.

Agape House, which is run through the Bermuda Hospitals Board, was set up in 1990 primarily to treat patients suffering from HIV and AIDS. However, advances in prevention and treatment reduced the need to serve that patient group. The hospice now cares for patients with a range of terminal conditions, from heart, lung, liver, kidney, brain or motor neuron diseases, or cancer and provides “outstanding hospice care”.

Patients have access to a full-time chef and private kitchen, an art therapist, complementary therapies such as massage and Reiki, as well as Skype and internet access for every hospice bed.

Friends of Hospice, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this week, has provided more than $5.5 million in financial support to Agape House through contributions from individuals and corporations.

Friends of Hospice chairman Dr Ian Fulton said: “The current Friends of Hospice Board, staff and volunteers are privileged to continue the important work that was started by a committed group of individuals back in 1994.

“Over the years, many people, companies and organisations have generously supported Friends of Hospice with donations and by giving their time. We are grateful to each and every one who has helped to ensure that an excellent standard of hospice care is available to the Bermuda community.

“Our goal is to sustain and continually improve the service that Agape House provides to patients and their loved ones. For each patient, we only have one chance to get it right and we take that responsibility very seriously.”

“Today, Agape House cares for patients with a broad range of chronic, life-limiting illnesses, taking a holistic approach to patient care and following international best practices,” the Friends of Hospice spokesman said.

A BHB spokesperson said last night: “Friends of Hospice have been a generous and committed partner in running Agape House to date, and while there are no definite plans at this point, we look forward to working with them to plan for the long terms needs for palliative care in Bermuda.”

For information, to volunteer or to support the charity, please visit www.friendsofhospice.bm