A new name - the same amazing care

HOSPICE REBRAND SPLITS OPINION - BUT DECISION 'NOT TAKEN LIGHTLY'

- By HELENA VESTY

A BELOVED Greater Manchester institution has changed its name and some say 'it will always' go by its former title to them.

St Ann's Hospice officially became the Moya Cole Hospice at the start of this month.

It was established in 1971 by Dr Moya Cole as a charity providing palliative care to Greater Manchester residents.

The name change honours the 'inspirational founder' of the hospice, Dr Moya Cole and comes near the completion of the hospice's new 'state-of-the art' facility at its Heald Green site.

Announcing the change had been made on October 1, the hospice said: "For us to continue to serve and care for those impacted by life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones long into the future, we must ensure that we are reflective of the wonderful and diverse community that surrounds us and that we remain culturally relevant in our modern world.

"Although a change has been in discussion for many years, making the change at this point in our journey, as we open a new site in Heald Green and with plans to refurbish Little Hulton in the near future, means we have reduced the cost involved to a minimal amount."

But some members of the public have taken to social media to say 'it will always be St Ann's to me,' noting the hospice's long history of caring for people in Greater Manchester.