In 1986 the initial idea of ‘Terminal Care in Rossendale’ was conceived. Charitable status was granted for Rossendale Hospice and homecare was operational by 1988. During 1990, the first Nurse-in-Charge was appointed and worked 13 hours over two days. An open day was held to raise awareness of the new services to local people in the valley.

By 1991 the official opening of ‘The Bungalow’ which housed the Day Care facilities was a key milestone for Rossendale Hospice. This year was also the start of trialling non cancer patients, which became permanent and currently stands today. Later that year, Rossendale Hospice launched a monthly bereavement group to support patients and their families.

Day Care services were operating well and increased to 4 days a week by 1992. Our nursing team increased to 3 members of staff. The following year, Christie’s Manchester acknowledged the Day Care Unit as a centre of excellence.

Our first vehicle was donated to the hospice in 1995 - this was the start of being able to offer transport to patients. Two volunteer’s drivers were recruited to help. With a National Lottery Grant in 1995, complementary therapies commenced. A Reflexologist attended one morning per week allowng patients to get control over some of their symptoms. Therapies then extended to include Reiki and aromatherapy daily and some hypnotherapy. 

In 2000, a 10 week rolling programme for patients with early stage cancer was introduced. Our special events committee was created in 1999 and they organised the first Annual Ball.

By 1999, Former Day Care patients held a self-help group at the Hospice every Monday. They were known as the New Horizons group who later volunteered in a new hospice shop. The Early Diagnosis Day was the first in the country to be developed. The Giving Tree, which now sits in Reception, was sought. This was created to raise funds throughout the 15th Anniversary year. Today more than 600 leafs take pride of place on the tree. Each leaf signifying the local support we have in the valley.

2002 - 2011 A new group was piloted, the COPD Group (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) was started in 2009 and is still running today. Many patients with lung and heart conditions find it beneficial to meet others with similar conditions at Day Care.

In 2006, Rossendale Hospice secured a contract with Social Services to provide a social palliative care service. During these years the Hospice moved twice. In 2007 it moved into the newly refurbished Ward 5 of Rossendale Hospital.

In 2010, Rossendale Hospice moved to where it is based today - The new Primary Care Centre, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall.

The Befriending Service was created to help isolated and elderly people in the community. This service currently has over 100 volunteers supporting many patients in the community.

Between 2012 - 2014 we opened three retail shops based in Rawtenstall, Haslingden and Bacup. Our shops raise a substantial amount of funds to allow the Hospice to continue its good work and this is only possible through the donations we receive from the local community. 

In 2014 Rossendale Hospice’s psychological support services were accredited by the British Association for Counselling and psychotherapy (BACP).

This time period has seen many challenges. Through dedication and hard work of staff we have naviagted our way through an unpresidented pandemic. The generosity of our supporters has meant we we're able to continue providing vital care. 

Some services were adapted to keep patients safe in their own home and Hospice at Home Care increased capacity.
 
Fundraising changed to accomodate virtual events and many supporters donated to our Carry on Caring campaign. 

It is safe to say this will go down in history and be remembered for a long time to come.