Minimising business interruption for Sue Ryder

30 May 2018

When the best part of a month’s rainfall fell in just a few hours, resultant flash flooding devastated the Sue Ryder hospice in Cheltenham.

Based on the extent of water damage the property had suffered, originally, it was estimated that it would take up to two months for drying and repairs to be completed. Understanding the essential care provided by Sue Ryder and the effect this would have on the patients and the local community, specialist claims consultant Matt Gould quickly stepped in to take control and get them back up and running without delay. Leading a team of experts, Matt focused on the essentials that would ensure patients could return to the hospice as quickly as possible.

A specialist restoration company was engaged to work around the clock to dry out the building, installing up to 30 industrial blowers throughout the ground floor. This was immediately followed by a specialist team laying the new flooring and replacing damaged fixtures and fittings.

Everyone’s hard work minimised the interruption from the predicted two months to just three weeks before the patients could return. The hospice was clearly delighted with both the speed and expertise of which the claim was managed. 

The hospice has also had considerable support from individuals, businesses and community groups across Gloucestershire with generous donations amounting to almost £10,000 alongside offers of help from volunteers. 

David Bonehill, Claims Director at Ecclesiastical: “As a specialist insurer, we understand the need to put things back in order quickly. Losing such a key building overnight can have a huge impact on any organisation. However, in the case of a charity, the impact is often felt much more widely as it can mean a reduction in the services they can offer to the community they serve. 

“We are absolutely delighted to have been able to turn this project around so quickly enabling the Hospice to re-open within weeks and continue to provide the much-needed care and support for our local community here in Gloucestershire.” 

Our insurers Ecclesiastical have been fantastic. Working with their contractors they have gone above and beyond to repair and return the building to us as quickly as possible. The speed and efficiency at which they have worked has meant repairs have been completed well ahead of schedule.

Beccy Day, Day Hospice Manager