The Ayrshire Hospice

Historical Background

Since the idea of a Hospice for the people of Ayrshire was first raised, the stated purpose has always been clear. The community wished to create a facility that would provide the highest possible standard of care for those with advanced cancer or Motor Neurone Disease for whom cure was no longer possible, as well as support for the families facing the loss of a loved one.

Following the first public meetings, fundraising began in November 1983 with an initial aim of raising £400,000 within 2 years. This figure was achieved within 21 months, enabling the 162 year old property at 35 Racecourse Road, Ayr, to be purchased and renovated and the building of a purpose-designed 15 bedded hospice to the rear.

In 1987 the Specialist Home Care Sister Service began and in February 1989, the first patients were admitted to the In-patient Unit, which opened with 7 beds, and to the Day Hospice. Throughout this initial period there developed a very close liaison and collaboration with the Ayrshire and Arran Health Board and the primary care teams. Community involvement also grew which permitted expansion of the many and varied roles filled by volunteers. By June 1989 £1.3 million had been raised by public subscription and a further 5 beds were opened in October.

Before opening the remaining 4 beds, the decision to extend the building was taken. This was necessary, principally, to create more space away from the bedded areas but also permitted the provision of an additional bed and much needed extra storage and utility rooms. This work was completed in 1992 and represented a considerable development in the facilities of the Hospice. By the end of 1992, in response to increasing demand for the service, a multi-professional team had been established.

By 1996 this specialist led team included Medical, Nursing, Home Care, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social work and Chaplaincy with support provided by the Administration and Finance Department, Audit Co-ordinator and Voluntary Services Co-ordinator. A strategic review of Hospice facilities and capabilities in relation to the consistent growth in referrals carried out at this stage led to a commitment to further capital expansion. This decision involved an increase the number of In-patient beds and Day Hospice places in addition to the development of a palliative care education centre and was brought to fruition through the purchase and development of the adjacent property, a project begun in January 1998 and completed in June 1999 at a cost of £2.4 million which was raised entirely through voluntary contributions and the support of the National Lottery Charities Board (Scotland.). The In-patient unit now offers 20 beds in single, double and three bedded rooms as well as a large lounge and enclosed verandas leading to the 3 bedded rooms. Day Hospice is accommodated in a very spacious, custom built facility and the Education Department boasts a library, 3 seminar rooms, a fully equipped lecture theatre and a students' resource room.

The Ayrshire Hospice has developed as an independent, closely clinically integrated, public service accountable to both the Ayrshire and Arran Health Board as providers of specialist palliative care and to the people of Ayrshire themselves. The Hospice has responsibilities to these people, who have come to expect the highest possible quality of specialist palliative care and who have given and continue to give, their money and support on that basis.