The first patient was admitted to St Leonard’s Hospice 35 years ago

It’s a big day for St Leonard’s Hospice.

Because today – Tuesday, February 11 – marks 35 years since the first in-patient was admitted to the Tadcaster Road hospice on the same date in 1985.

Not only is it an anniversary year for St Leonard’s, it’s also International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

So the hospice is appealing for people to sponsor a nurse by signing up for regular giving online. That way you can help it to offer care for the next 35 years.

Heart of the care

Whether it’s using their expert knowledge of pain management and symptom control, their experience in supporting family members in distress or simply by providing a hand to hold in the middle of the night, the hospice nurses are there 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

They provide vital care which is free of charge to the patient both at the Hhospice and in patients’ homes.

Val Noble is a Hospice@Home nurse who has worked at the hospice since the very beginning 35 years ago. She said:

• There has been lots of change over the years as the Hospice reach has grown as we’ve got busier and more services, such as the Hospice@Home team I work in, have been developed.

  It’s a privilege providing care in people’s homes. We care for the whole person, not just their physical symptoms. Hospice nurses provide support as soon as a life-limiting illness is diagnosed, supporting patients and their families at every stage.

  By setting up a regular donation, you can make a real difference to local people and ensure the Hospice can care for people for years to come.