History

Why Was Teesside Hospice Formed?

Teesside Hospice Care Foundation was formed in 1982 as a response to the shortfall in specialised care for those suffering from a life limiting illness in the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire region.

Our primary aim is to act as a resource to the local community to provide holistic specialist palliative care at any point during a life-limiting illness.

This is achieved by:

• Controling symptoms relating to their illness such as pain and nausea
• Providing Respite Care giving families and carers the opportunity to have a break
• Providing End Stage Care, should patients choose to spend their last days in the unit, being admitted during the very late stages of their illness
• Rehabilitating patients who may have had a long stay in hospital to allow them to return home to their families if that is possible or another care provision when home is not an option

A Look Back To The Way Forward…

1979

South Tees Community Health Council highlighted the lack of specialised care for the terminally ill within the South Tees District.

1980

The Chairman of the Cleveland Area Health Authority was quoted in the press as saying "There is a need for developing care of the dying, but there is no money available in the Health Authority budget".

South Tees Community Health Council acted by holding a series of meetings for those interested in hospice care. From the meetings, a steering group was formed and the members prepared a strategic plan for developing Hospice care on Teesside.

1982
The name of the charity and the constitution was drawn up. The Company Registration and Charity Registration was completed, and Teesside Hospice Care Foundation was born.

1983
Our first two Macmillan Nurses went out into the community. The Macmillan Nurses were the foundation stone of the Hospice.

1987
Our first Day Care Centre was officially opened in a converted wing of Carter Bequest Hospital.

1992
The 'Help Us Care' appeal was launched to raise money for a new, purpose built hospice building.

1992 / 1993
A full time Medical Director and Director of Nursing Services were appointed to begin the task of developing the new Hospice.

1994
Day Care moved from Carter Bequest Hospital to the new purpose built Hospice on Northgate Road in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough and the first patient was admitted in April.

1996
A satellite day centre was established within East Cleveland Hospital, Brotton.

1998
A children and young people's bereavement service 'Forget-Me-Not' was established.

1999
The Edward Guy Foundation agreed to part fund Day Care for next five years.

2000
The ‘Community Fund’ awarded the Hospice with a grant of £674,776 to extend day care, build a new education and counselling centre, provide a new outpatient suite and move our Trading Company off site.

2001/2002
The new building and extension work was completed and the new facilities were opened by Alan Milburn, Secretary of State for Health in July 2002.

2003
Teesside Hospice Care Foundation celebrated its 21st Anniversary and funding was secured with Middlesbrough and Langbaurgh Primary Care Trusts to fund all Teesside Hospice Macmillan Nurses.