The History of Barnsley Hospice
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.
From our current Eldon Street shop, 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.
1994 - the Day Hospice opened its doors providing specialist palliative care for 17 patients each weekday. That care continues today and the service has been much developed over the years.
2001 - 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.
2005 - we opened Phase III of the hospice – the Apex Rooms, training and meeting rooms which were rented out.
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.
2010 - the Barnsley Hospice logo turned orange. A grant of £296,000 funded by Department of Health was given to the Hospice and enable phase V to start.
2011 - Phase V was completed. The Limes Support and Therapy Centre was refurbished and reconfigured and a new garden was created. The Limes garden allows the patients to sit outside in a peaceful setting and watch the fish in the pond.
2013 - a grant of £469,779 from the Department of Health enabled the Hospice to start the Phase Vl.
2014 - Phase VI was completed. The front of the Hospice was extended to provide a family room, kitchen and dining area for the IPU patients and their visitors. The drug storage and preparation room was enlarged and two treatment rooms, a counselling room and a spiritual room were added with an extension to the patient gardens.
2016 - Work commenced on transforming the Inpatient Unit garden from a large lawned area into a stunning area for patients and their family to relax and enjoy.
The original St Peter's Hospice sign is still proudly displayed in the Limes Garden