News

This Thursday marks the 40th anniversary since Jersey Hospice Care first opened its In Patient Unit.

Hospice first began as a community service in 1982, supporting Islanders with palliative care in their homes. After three years of running, Hospice then opened its first In Patient Unit, Clarkson House, at its original home in Grouville – welcoming patients who wanted to be cared for away from home. Ten years later, Hospice moved to its current site at Mont Cochon.

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive of Jersey Hospice Care, said: “Although we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Hospice back in 2022, the opening of the In Patient Unit on 22 May 1985 was a significant milestone in our history. Many of our patients choose to spend their final days in the comfort of our In Patient Unit, and over the years we have grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of our community. From five beds back in 1985 to our current 12 bed unit, the one thing that remains consistent is our dedication to providing the best possible care, where and when it’s needed.”

Other significant moments for Hospice over the years are:

1982 – The first Hospice patient was supported and a public meeting was held to recruit volunteers

1985 – Clarkson House, in Grouville, opened with day hospice facilities

1985 – The first inpatients were cared for in the two bedded Clarkson House

1986 – Bereavement support began to be offered, in addition to palliative care services

1995 – Clarkson House opened on Mont Cochon with a six bed In Patient Unit, Day Hospice and rooms for the Community Team, therapies and bereavement counselling

2010-12 – Redevelopment of Clarkson House (Mont Cochon) began to include an additional six rooms, making 12 in total

2013 – Formally opened the King Centre (named after Hospice founder, Jurat Mrs Jean King MBE) and new Day Hospice facilities

2014 – Opened up the remit of Jersey Hospice Care to care for adults with any life-limiting illness

2017 – Our Emotional Support service began to support children and young people with a life-limiting condition and their families

2019 – Our outreach service for babies, children and young people with a life-limiting condition began

2022 – Jersey Hospice Care celebrates 40 years of supporting islanders to live life to the full