St. Clare’s first opened its doors in 1987 in a 3 storey Edwardian house in Westoe Village. The building had been converted with funds from a public appeal started in 1982 – the Hospice still continues to rely on the generosity of the community in South Tyneside for the greater proportion of its running costs.
In December 2006, St. Clare’s successfully bid for a £250,000 grant from the Department of Health to improve the facilities at the Hospice. Work will be completed by mid 2008 and the update will provide greater comfort and dignity for all users – patients, guests and loved ones.
The first management council was elected in 1984 with Sir Robin Chapman as president. Barbara, Lady Chapman, his widow, continued to be our president until her sad death in 2007.
St. Clare’s provided day care for guests with life limiting illnesses. At first there were 5 places for 3 days per week but this quickly expanded to 15 places for 5 days per week. We have always striven to deliver holistic care to guests and patients alike, attending not only to physical but psychological, social and spiritual needs.
Demand for places at St. Clare’s grew and it was clear that there was a need for larger premises. The £1.3 million, purpose built 6 bedded Hospice on Primrose Terrace in Jarrow, was opened in August 1994 and provided both inpatient and day care. A further extension in 2004 added a further 2 beds and converted all to single rooms with en-suite facilities. The Hospice provides a wide range of services to residents of South Tyneside and Gateshead suffering from life limiting illness.