1980 The beginning
Initiated by a local resident, Hospice at Home set up as a Charitable Trust to care for patients in their own homes, with a staff of three nurses and a doctor.
1985 New ways of raising money
The first Hospice shop (complementing our existing mobile shop) opened in Tunbridge Wells. Our first social worker/counsellor was appointed
1989 Developing the service
A bereavement service was developed using volunteer bereavement counsellors and home volunteers, working with patients and their relatives.
1991 The next phase
Plans were started for building a 17-bed hospice and a site in Pembury purchased.
1994 Preparing for change
Hospice at Home moved to Allen Gardiner House in Pembury Road in preparation for our future expansion.
1995 A new name
Hospice at Home became Hospice in the Weald. A new education department started and a Development Campaign fund was launched.
1997 Building work begins
Building work started on the Hospice building in Pembury.
1998 A new home
The Team moved into the new Hospice on 25th August. The goodwill and support of the local community ensured that the fundraising target of £4.3 million was reached and the National Lottery granted £145,000 towards furnishings and equipment. The first patients were admitted with 8 beds open.
2005 Our 25th anniversary
In its 25th year the Hospice in the Weald had 12 beds open, 700 volunteers, 11 shops and 20 community fundraising link groups.
2006 A new clinic established
The Hospice opened a much needed Lymphoedema Clinic staffed by nurses with specialist training in the assessment and management of this disease.
2007 Our expansion continues
We embark on a major extension to our Day Therapy Centre to increase patient facilities and include more clinics including a new Music Therapy room. Building work is on time and on budget and will be completed by July 2008.
2008 Building work completed!
Everything finished - on time and on budget. 14 In-Patient beds open.
2009 Fully operational
All facilities fully open including 17 beds on the In-Patient Unit and up to 20 patients received daily in the Day Therapy Centre.
