The new Calpe House in Norfolk Square, Paddington was formally opened today by Sir Joseph Bossano who was representing both Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar and the charity Calpe House Limited, of which Sir Joe is Patron.

Among those present were His Excellency the Governor, Dr Daniel Cassaglia (GHA Medical Director) and other members of the GHA, many of the corporate sponsors and the Board of Trustees and Directors of Calpe House.

A spokesperson said: “It has been possible to meet the costs of refurbishing, converting and furnishing the building at Norfolk Square into self-contained flats suitable for sponsored patients’ accommodation, thanks to the corporate sponsors and the People of Gibraltar, who have once again dug deep into their pockets in donating so very generously to the charity, and to the financial support of HMGOG without which the project would not have been possible. This means that even more patients and their families can now find a place to stay in the new Calpe House, which is a ‘home from home’ in their most pressing time of need.

“The new Calpe House in Norfolk Square replaces its more familiar predecessor at Princes Square, which has served Gibraltar’s Sponsored Patients well for over 30 years. The new premises are a huge improvement on the previous facility. Every room is en suite (27 double rooms and 10 single rooms, totalling circa 64 beds (compared to the current 7 rooms/flats and 27 beds at Prince’s Square)), each room has its own TV, and the vast majority of rooms have their own kitchenette. All furniture, fixtures and fittings are new, and there are attractive communal rooms and areas for visitors. Patients will also be able to enjoy the use of beautiful gardens which make up Norfolk Square. Importantly, Norfolk Square enjoys a highly convenient location. It is a two minute walk from Paddington Station (with its Heathrow Express link and underground hub), a two minute walk from St Mary’s Hospital, and typically a 20 minute journey time to all major hospitals in London, except perhaps St George’s Hospital, which is roughly 45 minutes away.

“In his opening address, Sir Joe highlighted the importance of providing these facilities for Sponsored Patients which serves very much as a ‘home from home’. Sir Joe said he was honoured to have been involved with the Trust since its inception and extremely proud to have a wing at the new Calpe House named after him. He went on to confirm that all patients travelling to London for medical treatment will now be offered accommodation at the new Calpe House.

“The charity’s Chairman, Albert Poggio, praised the Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and his Government for the stalwart support they had consistently provided, and continue to provide in the context of the new Calpe House. This key strategic partnership was pivotal in facilitating the delivery of a standard of accommodation that Sponsored Patients (and their escorts) deserve when staying in London. Mr Poggio further thanked all members of the opposition who have supported and continue to support the Trust throughout. Mr Poggio went on to thank all of the corporate sponsors and the People of Gibraltar for the thousands of individual donations and fundraising events undertaken. He further praised the work of the Trustees/Directors for the many hours of their time and dedicated work all carried out pro bono and successfully overcoming hurdles which arose along the way. Mr Poggio announced that the three buildings which make up the new Calpe House, have been named ‘The Peter Caetano Wing’, ‘The Sir Joseph Bossano KCMG Wing’ and ‘The Charles Tilbury BEM Wing’ as the people who inspired the original idea of Calpe House and made it a reality.”

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