Enfield Southgate MP Bambos Charalambous was among special guests at an event to mark the renaming of the North London Hospice centre at Winchmore Hill.

Formerly known as the Outpatients and Therapies centre, the Barrowell Green site is now called the Health and Wellbeing Centre - a name staff believe more reflects the activities provided there, which are not just medical but include art and drama therapy, acupuncture and seated reiki.

In a speech, Mr Charalambous told more than 100 guests that he was "blown away" by the centre and its services, but he said more funding for palliative care was needed.

He said: “The amount of money that is spent on palliative care from the NHS is miniscule compared to the benefits that it gives to people.

“We need to have more funding, that is a big issue. We are so lucky in Enfield to have such a fantastic

facility on our doorstep."

The Mayor of Enfield Christine Hamilton was also among guests which included GPs, health professionals, local business leaders and local residents.

The centre also provides psychological and emotional support as well as complementary therapy and a social programme enabling patients and their families to live as well as they possibly can and improve their quality of life.

Patient Joy Watkins said: “Many people who are afraid of dying have the wrong idea about what a hospice is and they are scared to find out so they don't come.

“I first came here four years ago because I was in a lot of pain. They not only help me cope with that but what I get here is the space, time and flexibility to talk through things with experts who know about living with quality of life not about dying, and who know about dealing with the impact of a life-threatening illness, practically, emotionally, physically on every level.”

Trudi Leighton, associate director at the Health & Wellbeing Centre said: “Over the last year the service has expanded to offer activities such as courses, social and peer support groups and workshops on a range of issues

that are common in our patients.

“The principle aim is to enable and empower those that are living with the effects of a life-limiting condition to manage their symptoms, gain information to help them make decisions, function independently and live

as well as is possible.”