Historic Places

The hospice's 1990s Sunflower Appeal

Specialist palliative care is provided free of charge at two hospices and across Bristol, by St Peter's Hospice Community Nurse Specialists and Hospice at Home teams.

Over the last 30 years the hospice has grown, now providing care for over 1,600 people and their families. 

The first working party to look at the feasibility of having a hospice in Bristol was formed in 1969. The group was made up of Medical Consultants, General Practitioners, a Surgeon, solicitor, nurses and various others.

Poster from a 1978 public meeting

Dame Cicely Saunders, who set up St Christopher's Hospice in London spoke at a public meeting in Bristol and enthusiasm for the project increased.

There was a gap during the mid 70's following the death of one of the key movers but fundraising began in earnest in 1977.

A decision was taken to start with just a Community Service whilst funds were raised for the in-patient unit.

1980s fundraising event at the Nails

Joan Bourns, who died in September 2008, was one of the founders of St Peter's Hospice. She was at the forefront of fund raising efforts and started the Friends of St Peter's Hospice.  

The first two Community Nurse Specialists started in 1978 and were based at Lawrence Hill Clinic. They saw patients within the Bristol City boundaries.

The original inpatient unit opened at the Knowle Hospice in May 1980 with 7 beds, a small nursing staff and medical support from local GPs.

Matron at work, Knowle Hospice early 80s

These beds were used for respite care, symptom control and terminal care. The first full time Medical Director was appointed a year later.

In 1984 the Knowle Day Hospice opened. It was initially available for one day per week, but as demand for the service grew, it gradually increased to five days.

The appointment of the first Clinical Teacher in 1985 was followed by the development of the Education facility over the next twelve months.

At the same time a significant expansion of the Knowle In-patient Unit was launched. A new extension was built to house 14 beds allowing the Day Hospice to be re-housed in the old Inpatient unit.

HRH Duchess of Kent with patients - 80s

Nine years later St Peter’s was creating plans to open a second hospice to serve North Bristol.

The Brentry Day Hospice opened in 1995 and was originally housed in a portakabin, operating one day a week, gradually building to four days during 1996.

The Hospice at Brentry became fully operational in September of 1998, complete with educational facilities providing support and training to professionals and volunteers.

Royal visit for Bentry Hospice

St Peter's Hospice says its mission is to work in collaboration with healthcare partners, to develop, influence and provide flexible specialist services that meet the needs of people with life limiting illness.

It wants to ensure that all adults in the local community living with life limiting illness will have access to the best possible palliative care that is appropriate to their need.