The idea to build a Hospice in Barnsley was born in 1985, when a small group of pioneers met in St Peter's Church Hall to look at ways of securing funding and support. As a result, a public meeting was held, a company formed and charitable status obtained.
An appeal was launched but was very slow at first - the miners strike and similar appeals in Pontefract and Wakefield affected fundraising. In 1993, however, the donation of a large legacy together with the support of the local Health Authority enabled Phase I of the development to commence. In 1994 the Day Hospice opened its doors providing specialist palliative care for 17 patients each weekday. That care continues today and the service has developed over the years to include medical and nursing care, physiotherapy, complementary therapies and social work support, together with a huge range of arts, crafts and activities.
Seven years later and after receiving a grant of £862,000 from the National Lottery Charities Board, we were delighted to open Phase II - an eight-bedded Inpatient Unit to accompany our existing Day Hospice. This unit allows us to provide a complete service of Specialist Palliative Care.
In 2005 we opened Phase III of the Hospice – The Apex Rooms. The main purpose of this facility is to provide additional income for patient care by renting space for training and meetings. Much of this activity involves work associated with health and social care.
In 2008 Phase IV of the Hospice development saw the Inpatient Unit extended to provide a ten-bedded unit. This was funded by a £609,000 Department of Health grant.
It is now fifteen years since we first opened our doors as a Day Hospice to care for patients with a life threatening illness and during this time our work has touched the lives of thousands of people. Last year over 300 patients, plus their families and carers, were helped by the Hospice.
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