Our history

At Rotherham Hospice

At Rotherham Hospice, we’ve always believed that every moment matters. Since 1988, when our journey first began, we’ve been committed to providing compassionate care tailored to the unique wishes of each individual in our community, easing the physical and emotional pain of death and dying.

How it all began

Our story started with a shared dream and a community determined to make it happen. In 1988, the people of Rotherham came together, driven by a vision to create a place of comfort and care for those facing life-limiting illnesses. This led to the launch of the Rotherham Hospice Appeal, which brought in the funds needed to turn our vision into reality. By 1996, our doors officially opened, welcoming our first Day Hospice patients. The following year, we launched our Inpatient Unit, starting with just a few rooms, but with a mission to grow and support more families.

Today, our hospice stands as a beacon of support, caring for over 1,700 patients and their families each year through a combination of in-hospice and community services.

Living Life's Wishes

As we look to the future, our new strategy, “Living Life’s Wishes,” is all about embracing what truly matters—putting people first, respecting their individuality, and making sure every moment is as meaningful and fulfilling as possible. This strategy was shaped by listening to you, our community, ensuring that we continue to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

We heard you loud and clear: you want personalised, compassionate care that honours your wishes, wherever you may be. That’s why our new strategy focuses on being proactive, inclusive, and innovative—ensuring everyone in Rotherham has access to the care they need.

Our history and the modern hospice movement

The modern hospice movement was born from the vision of Dame Cicely Saunders, whose compassion and insight transformed end-of-life care. It all began when Cicely, working as a nurse, befriended a terminally ill patient. She realized that people at the end of their lives needed so much more than a hospital bed—they needed a space that honoured their dignity and addressed their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Inspired by that belief, Dame Cicely founded St Christopher’s Hospice in 1967, forever changing the way we care for those nearing the end of life. Her pioneering approach focused on treating “total pain”—not just the physical, but also the emotional and spiritual struggles that come with a life-limiting illness.

At Rotherham Hospice, we are deeply inspired by this legacy. Just as Dame Cicely did, we believe in providing holistic, compassionate care that places the wishes and needs of each person at the heart of everything we do. We strive to bring comfort, dignity, and peace to every individual, ensuring that their final days are lived with as much meaning and joy as possible.