A series of guided tours were being held this week at St Nicholas' Hospice, in Bury St Edmunds, with staff keen to show off the Sylvan ward, which is to re-open to patients on Thursday after five months following a £700,000 make-over.

The 12-bed unit, which boasts air-conditioning, wireless internet access and garden views in each room, has also been given improved facilities for family members staying overnight.

Suzie Rush, a hospice patient in the early stages of motor neruone disease, visited the unit last Friday to see the improvements – and she said the changes had sparked some ideas for her own home.

"When I look at this room it's already given me some ideas, because we're adjusting our house at the moment. It's peaceful and warm – it isn't just clinical," said the 43-year-old.

"I haven't got to the stage where I need to come here overnight yet, but I feel less worried about it having seen this."

Suzie, of Church Road, Bradfield St George, also praised staff at the hospice who had been to visit her at home and talked to staff at the West Suffolk College, where she teaches beauty and holistic therapy.

"They have been absolutely amazing," she said.

"I think a lot of people think the hospice is here just for cancer and just for that last week – but for me it's a safe haven and an emotional crutch."

Carry Beecroft, ward sister, said the refurbishment would also help improve infection control and health and safety at the hospice, with sensor taps and ceiling hoists for moving patients installed in each of the rooms.

"It's really exciting. It's going to be a much better environment for our patients and families, and for our staff as well," she said.

"It will mean that the patients' stay will be one that they remember as a positive experience.

"Watching it grow week by week has been fantastic."

Barbara Gale, the hospice's chief executive, said the original plan – to replace the ward's carpets – had been amended after staff decided the whole unit needed modernising.

"Absolutely everything is new," she said.

"It's absolutely brilliant. To see the culmination now is just wonderful.

"I'm grateful to all the staff, and the patients and families, who have put up with the disruption and I hope when it's open they will all see that it's all been worth it."

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