Friends of Hospice, the charity that supports Agape House, has been granted provisional approval to build a new hospice in Paget.

The purpose-built facility would be erected on Berry Hill Road, Paget, but must first get final approval from the directors of the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Alison Soares, Friends of Hospice chairman, said it was fitting that the news comes as World Hospice and Palliative Care Week begins.

Ms Soares, the daughter of the charity’s founder Hilary Soares, said: “This is very exciting news for all of us at Friends of Hospice and Agape House, and for the Bermuda community.

“We have been working towards this for several years and it is serendipitous that this announcement comes at the start of such an important week for us and also on the day marking what would be my mother’s 79th birthday.”

She added: “For me personally, having grown up surrounded by talk of Agape House and hospice care, I am absolutely thrilled, especially as this comes on such a special day for all of us at Friends of Hospice.

“I know my mother would be very proud. On behalf of the entire board and staff of Friends of Hospice, I thank BHB for giving us provisional approval.

“Having a site on which to develop a new facility is an important and necessary step in providing the best hospice and palliative care for Bermuda.”

The new facility would replace Agape House, which opened its doors 27 years ago.

The hospice, which cares for patients with a broad range of serious and life-threatening illnesses, is owned and operated by the BHB with the support of Friends of Hospice.