“The Hospice is in your heart forever”

As we celebrate our 35^th anniversary, we wanted to find out more about the early days of the Hospice, which opened in October 1989 after an inspirational fundraising campaign led by Barbara Lucas. A group of nurses and members of the administration team recently shared their experiences.

Many of the team had worked at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and wanted to move to the Hospice to spend more time with patients and their families.  The Hospice started with just one patient, Sue, who everyone wanted to look after.

Training included time spent at other hospices, including Michael Sobell House and in the early days the staff did all the cooking and washing as well as caring for the patients.

From the beginning there was an emphasis on making the most of every day. A young patient Danny had his wish granted to go up in a glider and another patient was taken to see her granddaughter playing in the Albert Hall.  

The therapeutic effect of pets was realised and the staff fondly remember budgies and guinea pigs as well as cats and dogs, which provided comfort for everyone. Birds of prey demonstrations were also popular.

There was an emphasis on fun, including bringing the seaside to the Hospice with candy floss and a paddling pool; staff even dressed for the seaside and wore swimming caps! They had been inspired by Barbara Lucas, whose fundraising efforts had included a New Year’s swim. They remember Barbara’s transformative impact, describing her as “vivacious, lovely and caring,” able to inspire so many people in the community.

“I loved every minute of it” said Dawn, who worked at the Hospice after transferring from the geriatric ward of the Hospital.

Many former staff now volunteer, maintaining their link with the Hospice and helping to ensure that hospice care will be available for the next generation across Buckinghamshire and its borders.

With thanks to Sue, Jane, Margaret T, Margaret C, Brenda, Molly, Julie, Dawn and Dorothy, pictured left to right.