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Hospice History
Humble Beginnings
The
inspiration for a hospice in Harrogate came from a number of local people,
associated with Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds. The first stage in developing a
local palliative care service was the opening in 1986 of a drop-in centre and
telephone help-line to provide information for cancer sufferers. This was in
the Oatlands Drive Convent, which subsequently became the first home of Saint
Michael's Hospice. Fundraising events, flag days and coffee mornings were
organised by the growing number of supporters.
All their hard work came
to fruition with the opening of a five bed inpatient unit, whose first patient
was admitted in September 1989. Subsequently, community outreach, a limited
service to those who cared for cancer patients in their own homes and a night -
sitting service were started. Saint Michaels soon became very much part of the
community with its own skilled staff working with other health care
professionals to meet people's needs.
A
short lease on the Convent meant it was necessary to find a permanent home and
it was decided to purchase, adapt and equip Crimple House, so as to expand
substantially the facilities and services. An appeal was launched in 1992 to
raise the £1.4m needed and in just over 2 years the target was reached -
a magnificent achievement and a tribute to the generosity of the people of
Harrogate and district.
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A ten bed in-patient unit and a day care centre for 12 patients
were opened in this idyllic setting, in 1994. We now have our own medical
director, a palliative care specialist, physiotherapist and social worker who
all play a major part in the development and training in palliative care.
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In April 2002
the registration of SMH was changed from nursing home and is now classed as an
independent hospital.
Without the
vision of the steering group, the commitment of many long standing supporters
and professional, experienced staff, Harrogate would not have a Hospice which
is a credit to the area. Everyone involved with Saint Michael's is dedicated to
enhancing its achievements and the further development of a top quality
service.
Crimple House
History
A Family Home Then And Now
Local history records
that the first house on the current site existed as far back as 1779, when it
was a family home. This family theme continued with the construction of the
present Crimple House, around the turn of the century, to meet the choice of Mr
Whitehead who was looking for a country retreat outside the industrial climates
of Leeds and Bradford to escape the pressures of mill life and bring up his
family. One of his daughters remembers the life there as well and recalls that
the children used to jump out of an upstairs widow, into the kitchen garden
below. She also recalls the building of the Banqueting Room and other
extensions to the house in 1926, clearly recorded on the
drainpipes.
From 1955 until 1994
Crimple House was owned by ICI, whose staff used it for relaxation, refreshment
and as temporary housing for staff returning from ICI posts around the world.
| Crimple Valley is dominated by the two railway viaducts, one of
which is still in use on the Leeds - Harrogate line and the other disused,
Starbeck - Spofforth - Wetherby line. Sister Margaret from the Convent of the
Holy Child Jesus, recalls the custom where girls leaving the convent for the
last time threw their velour hats out of the train window as they crossed the
viaduct. With an eye to business enterprise, a fellow nun could often be seen
the next day collecting them for re-use. |
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Saint
Michael's Hospice strives to uphold this history with:
- A family atmosphere,
including the laughter of staff and children
- A haven for rest and
relaxation
- A rewarding program of
entertainment
- An environment where
emotions, tears and laughter are freely expressed
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Directions to
Saint Michaels Hospice |
