There’s a paradox inherent in the hospice movement: they’re integral, yet wouldn’t exist without volunteers and fundraisers
The first hospices were established in the 19th century in France, but what is known as the “modern movement” started in 1967 with the opening of St Christopher’s House in south London by Dame Cicely Saunders,
a pioneer of palliative care. The common perception is that hospice
care is residential, but 80% of services today are delivered in the
community to people in their own homes, outpatient centres or day
hospices.
Another common myth is that hospice care is only for people at the
end of their lives, but Hospice UK defines it as seeking to “improve the
quality of life and wellbeing of adults and children with a
life-limiting or terminal illness”. Care can be sustained for many
years, particularly for children born with a life-limiting condition.
