“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die”
History of Hospice of the Good Shepherd
Early in 1983 two nurses attended a meeting of the Chester Lions and spoke about their work in caring for patients suffering from cancer. When asked where they were based the nurses explained that they had no base but talked about the idea of a local Hospice.
Under the leadership of Noel Rouse, acting Secretary of the Chester Lions, they approached local business leaders and healthcare & community leaders to see if there was sufficient interest in the idea of a setting up a local Hospice in Chester. Following a considerable groundswell of support, a community meeting was held on 28th September 1983 in Chester Town Hall where it was agreed to set up a working group and committee. At a subsequent meeting on 15th November 1983, Vivienne Smith was appointed as Chair of the inaugural Hospice Committee.
Hospice History Timeline
The first public meeting of the Hospice was held in September 1983 at Chester Town Hall. The meeting was called by Chester Lions to gauge support for the creation of a local Hospice.
1984
Fundraising begins with the establishment of a Committee to raise a target of £600,000 to buy and equip a new Hospice. In October, Chester Lions pledge to raise £10,000 towards the Hospice Appeal. The following month, and following the success of the meeting arranged by the Chester Lions in September 1983 to promote the Chester Hospice project, Vivienne Smith is appointed as Chair of the Hospice Fundraising Committee with Derek Healiss representing the Chester Lions.
1985
Former Vicarage and grounds at Backford, Chester is bought at Auction for £85,000 and the first hospice shop in Northgate Street, Chester opens it’s doors.
1986
By the first AGM on 12th February 1986, an Appeals Office located in Hunter Street was established and raised over £250,000. Architects Lovelock, Mitchell & Partners were appointed to design the Hospice.
1987
The Hospice appeal reaches its target of £600,000 and in September 1987 and work commenced in Backford by Joseph Finney & Son. The Bishop of Chester, Dr Michael Baughen, laid the foundation stone of the In-Patient Unit in November 1987.
1988
A Hospice Development Trust is formed to attract new funding from the local community and businesses. The Hospice launches an appeal with the aim of raising a further £400,000 to run the Hospice.
1989
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd opens on 6th February 1989 and the first patient is welcomed by Matron Mrs Ann Teaney and staff. The Hospice is officially opened by HRH Diana, Princess of Wales, escorted by the Duchess of Westminster, our Patron and watched by many supporters, staff and volunteers.
1992
In December 1992, all 12 beds open in the In-patient Unit.
1993
New Home Care, social work and Macmillian Nurse facilities in the Coach House costing £150,000 opened by Lady Tollemache.
1998
Cheshire Hospices Education founded with St Luke’s Winsford and East Cheshire Hospices to provide palliative care education to other caring professionals.
1999
The Hospice ’99’ appeal was set up this year to mark the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the Hospice to raise funds for a new and improved reception area and Day Care.
2003
The inner courtyard was refurbished and opened by Hospice Chaplain and Chief Executive.
2013
Our beautiful rose garden was opened in the grounds of the Hospice allowing a quiet space for reflection and remembrance.
2014
A Department of Health grant of £550,000 was used for major refurbishment of Hospice facilities.
2015
Breaking-ground for the Hospice’s new Living Well Centre takes place with Hugo Deynem, Lord Mayor of Chester and Her Grace The Duchess of Westminster.
2017
The Sheriff of Chester Jane Mercer, chair of the Board of Trustees Dr Virginia Clough, Mayor of Ellesmere Port Nicole Meardon, Duchess of Westminster, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs and CEO of Hospice of the Good Shepherd Margaret Wright at the opening of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd’s new Living Well Centre.
2018
The Hospice appoints Robert Mee as the new Chairman of Trustees.
2019
In April 2019, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd celebrated its 30th Anniversary, something the original founders of the Hospice should be very proud of. We shared our celebration with over 500 members of our local community supporters and volunteers. The demand for our services continues to grow as does the cost for delivering these services.
Later this year, in July 2019, we continued to celebrate our 30th Anniversary with the Forget Me Not Appeal, launched by the Mayor of Chester, Councillor Mark Williams and The Dean of Chester, the Very Revd Tim Stratford.
“I have received communication from a member of the public who used your service recently. They provided some very positive feedback on your organisation and the care provided by yourselves. I just wanted to echo their praise to you on the service you give and for all the hard work you do.”