Saint Francis Hospice is celebrating 40 years of caring for local people (see main story here).

1985 – 1994 

 In April 1985, work began on a home care service, with the pay for two nurses funded by a Trust. There was a huge demand for their work and 28 visits were made in the first month alone.

 An occupational therapy service was introduced that same year, and the bereavement service began in 1986.

 While a day service was introduced in 1988, building work began on a dedicated facility (later renamed Pemberton Place), which opened in 1993.

 1995 – 2003 

 With demand for community nursing ever increasing, fundraising began for the Hospice at Home team in 2000. The aim was to provide nurses dedicated to caring for people in their homes in the last few days of their lives.

 2003 – 2009 

 Thanks to a generous donation from local resident Elsie Pepperell, plans were set in motion for the creation of the Education Centre in 2005.

 The Pepperell Education Centre was completed in 2008 and continues to provide teaching to health and social care professionals and carers via courses and study days, organising a broad ranging education programme that encompasses both specialist palliative care delivery and topics of wider interest.

 2010 – Present 

 In 2014, the 24/7, 365 days a year Specialist Crisis and Community Support service was established. The team provided enhanced support to people under our care, their families and carers, along with health and social professionals.

 2016 

OrangeLine, our telephone lifeline for people who are isolated, lonely or bereaved, was launched in 2016. The group went on to develop many groups such as Tea and Talk at Toby’s to help people living with serious illnesses and their families.