Andrew Mitchell MP has visited the new patient care centre at St Giles’ Hospice in Whittington to view the recent expansion. Mr Mitchell was shown around the new Compassus Centre where he reiterated his support for the Observer’s ‘Buy a Bed for St Giles’ Appeal.The Compassus Centre is a new state-of-the-art in-patient care facility at St Giles Hospice which has been built in response to increased demand in Sutton and the surrounding area. The £8.5 million facility aims to provide maximum comfort and convenience for patients and their loved ones, and comprises 17 spacious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and three multi-occupation wards for those who prefer the company of others. Patients can enjoy access to private or communal gardens and terraces, and there is a special room in which family members can make an overnight stay should they wish to. The first 18 beds at the centre opened in May 2010, and the hospice aims to raise a further £2 million to equip the 9 remaining beds and cover three years’ running costs.The charity relies heavily on donations and fundraising and the Observer’s ‘Buy a Bed’ appeal hopes to raise the money needed to complete the centre.Andrew Mitchell MP said, “St Giles Hospice provides invaluable respite care and pain relief for patients from Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding area. “I hope that the local community will help raise the money needed for the hospice to meet the high demand for its crucial and free services.” Photo: Andrew Mitchell MP with St Giles Hospice Chief Executive Peter Holliday ',