Over a quarter a century of caring

1983-1988

St Luke’s was founded in 1983 thanks largely to the efforts of Harold Hassall and Jim Littlemore who initiated public support for the hospice.  Public Meetings were held all across the proposed catchment area and, as a result, Support Groups were established in local towns and villages to spread the message and to help the fund-raising efforts.  The following years saw the formation of a company with charitable status and the purchase of Grosvenor House in Queensway, Winsford, from funds raised by voluntary subscription.

The first Day Care patients were admitted in March 1988 and the hospice was officially opened by their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales on May 18th.

1990-1992

The generosity of the people of Cheshire made it possible to open a three-ward In Care unit, complete with bathing facilities, laundry, kitchen, chapel and day room/dining room.

By 1992, a further extension was opened to house a multi-purpose area for Day Care and lectures, plus offices for volunteer and part-time administrative staff.

The Health Authority provides financial support.

1996-2000

A further extension added two single-bedded rooms plus a Medical Director’s office, relative’s room, and extra bathing facilities.

Day Care patient capacity was increased to 15 and Cheshire Hospices Education began palliative care training for nursing and medical professionals.

In 1999 the reception area was improved and a consulting room added, and the millennium year saw the introduction of the Complementary Therapy Clinic for day patients.

2002-2006

Lymphoedema Clinic introduced and the number of Complementary Therapy Clinics increased.

St Luke's entered into a partnership with the local PCT and Macmillan Cancer Support which allowed the expansion of the lymphoedema clinic into various locations around the area.

East Wing extension opened offering improved facilities for day care, Cheshire Hospices Education, catering and administration.

2007-2009

The hospice established its first research programme in this period. University of Liverpool and the University of Lancaster were identified as academic partners. They supervised the two research projects the hospice is funding. A tutor from Cheshire Hospices Education has been commissioned to run one of these projects.

The hospice received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which was presented during a Royal Visit by the Duke of Gloucester.

A benefits adviser joined the social work team.

Complementary therapy staff have been commissioned to run a service for patients at the local Macmillan Cancer Centre.

The hospice received a grant to lead project work on End of Life Care in Dementia.