A HOSPICE which treats terminally ill adults from Barking and Dagenham has revamped its image so it can reach out to a wider range of people. St Francis Hospice in Havering-atte-Bower has scrapped its well known logo featuring the face of a St Francis of

A HOSPICE which treats terminally ill adults from Barking and Dagenham has revamped its image so it can reach out to a wider range of people.

St Francis Hospice in Havering-atte-Bower has scrapped its well known logo featuring the face of a St Francis of Assisi.

Their new orange and red motif features a smaller monk figure spreading out his arms beneath a large burning sun.

The £4,000 rebrand is designed to update the hospice's image as it moves into 2009 which is its 25th anniversary year.

The government has told hospices they must reach out to more younger people, people with learning difficulties, those from ethnic backgrounds and non-cancer patients.

Currently only six per cent of St Francis patients are non-cancer compared to a national average of 12 per cent.

John McKernan, chairman, said: "Our care is without a doubt world class, but due to the myths and taboos sometimes associated with the word hospice potential patients can miss out by referring late or avoiding us altogether.

"St Francis Hospice has come on leaps and bounds in the last 25 years, but broadly speaking we've been using the same language and images to present our identity.

"We now have an exciting opportunity to change that while bringing the hospice closer to the community."

St Francis has 22 beds and also cares for 75 outpatients per week. Other services include 24 hour telephone support and bereavement counselling.

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