St Catherine's Hospice (Lancashire) Limited

Overview

St Catherine's Hospice (Lancashire) Limited is a UK nonprofit organization registered as a charity under the number 512186. It is based in Lancashire and operates in the area providing hospice care for people with life-shortening illnesses.

History

The establishment of St Catherine's Hospice began in the early 1980s. On 7 December 1981, Kitty Sharples and other founder trustees formally established the hospice as a charity. This followed the closure of Lostock Hall Convalescent Hospital, on whose site the hospice was built. The community undertook significant fundraising efforts to open the hospice, reflecting the ethos of hospice care that has remained constant over the years.

The hospice officially began its services on 29 April 1985, marking the feast of St Catherine of Siena. Initially, it offered Day Care, followed by the opening of an In-Patient Unit for up to 12 patients in July 1985. Over time, the hospice expanded its facilities and services, including an extension to provide additional beds and enhanced therapy and rehabilitation services.

Developments and Milestones

In the early 1990s, St Catherine's Hospice launched the "Light Up A Life" celebration and memorial evening. An extension increasing the patient capacity was opened by HRH Princess Diana of Wales. The hospice lottery and the Symphony at the Tower also began during this period.

In the late 1990s, further extension works increased the Day Care provision to accommodate up to 20 patients a day. These developments highlight the ongoing commitment to improving care and services.

Governance and Status

St Catherine's Hospice (Lancashire) Limited is registered with Companies House under company number 01602467. It is a private company limited by guarantee without share capital. The organization's status is active, and its activities are classified under other human health activities and social work.

The charity is governed according to its registered status and operates with a board of trustees and a management team responsible for overseeing its strategic direction and day-to-day operations. The hospice receives support from the community through donations and fundraising activities, which are crucial for maintaining its services.

Mission and Impact

St Catherine's Hospice provides comprehensive palliative care, emphasizing holistic support for patients and their families. Through its development over the years, the hospice has maintained its core values of compassion, care, and community support, reflecting the broader ethos of hospice care in the UK. The organization plays a significant role in Lancashire, offering a critical service that is deeply valued by the local community.

[1] https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/about-us/our-purpose/our-story/ [2] https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/St-Catherines-Hospice-timeline.pdf [3] https://prezi.com/qn_2fwi3bvfv/history-of-st-catherines-hospice/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/512186/full-print [5] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01602467