East Cheshire Hospice 4.37

Since 1988, East Cheshire Hospice has been caring for people suffering from life-limiting illnesses. Putting patients, their carers and families at the centre of everything we do, our expert medical treatment is only one aspect of the holistic care we provide.

Supported by over 100 staff and 600 volunteers, East Cheshire Hospice is based in Macclesfield and cares for a 200,000 strong community over an area of approximately 400 sq kilometres, including Buxton, Congleton, High Legh, High Peak, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Poynton, Wilmslow and everywhere in between.

Our light and airy circular building encloses a 15 bed In-patient Unit open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, where patients can stay for end of life care, rehabilitation and symptom control. Many of our patients are suffering from cancer and we also care for people with other conditions, such as heart disease, organ failure and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or motor neurone disease.

We have a busy outpatient and day hospice facility, the Sunflower Centre, whose services are available to patients from the point of diagnosis onwards to help them continue to live independently at home. At a time when family is so important, we also support carers and families with social and family services, peer support groups and complementary therapies, for example. As a result, families may be involved with the Hospice for a number of days, weeks, months or years, depending on the progression of the patient’s illness and the services they choose to use.

We understand that many people are fearful to consider the services of a Hospice, but our staff, volunteers and wide range of facilities are able to quietly amaze people with what they describe as an uplifting atmosphere. Smiling faces, laughter and plenty of eye contact are found throughout, and nothing is too much trouble. We’ve held weddings, anniversaries, christenings and birthday parties at the Hospice, and our more unusual visitors have included dogs, cats, sheep and ponies.

Being a charity means that East Cheshire provides all its services without charge. Less than 20% of our funding is from the Government and the remainder – over £7,500 per day - is donated by the communities we serve.