St Catherine's Hospice marks 40 years of compassionate care

One of the region’s oldest hospices, St Catherine’s in Preston, is celebrating a major milestone this year, 40 years since welcoming its first inpatients in July 1985.

- By julie cheston Contributor

To mark the anniversary, the hospice has launched the Year of the Butterfly, a campaign inspired by the “Butterfly Effect” symbolising how the compassion of the community who help to fund their work, is reflected back in the expert, holistic care provided at St Catherine’s.

A series of special events is taking place throughout the year, including a community garden party on 8th July. The event commemorates the hospice’s very first inpatient who was admitted on that day, and is a thank you to supporters, patients, families, staff and volunteers.

The hospice now supports around 1,800 patients and families each year across Central Lancashire, offering inpatient, outpatient, and community services. From a 19-bed specialist unit to pioneering lymphoedema clinics and bereavement support, it remains at the forefront of local palliative care.