Our History

1984 

A need for hospice care in Bolton is first recognised in May by the Bolton Royal Infirmary Centenary Appeal and soon after, a steering group is formed to investigate the requirements in consultation with the Bolton District Health Authority.

1986 

The Health Authority hold a seminar on terminal illness in Bolton Town Hall on 10th April, which is attended by over 200 people. The outcome is that the need for hospice care has been officially recognised by the District Health Authority and commitment to the financial support of the hospice project has been made. On 29th September the steering group organise the first public meeting about the hospice project in Bolton School – the need had been identified and a commitment from the District Health Authority obtained, so all that was needed now was the support and goodwill of the local community.

1987

The first meeting of the governing body or Council of Management takes place and the company is registered as a charity. Outline planning permission is granted for the site overlooking Queens Park, just off Chorley New Road, which is thought to have many advantages – being easily accessible by foot, in close proximity to the town centre but with a rural outlook. Artists’ impressions are made available and the fundraising continues in earnest.

1992 

Bolton Hospice opens in March and is visited on 3rd December by Anne, Duchess of Norfolk who becomes the Hospice’s President.

1993 

The Hospice receives a royal visit from Princess Diana.

2001 

A £1.5 million extension is added to the Hospice, providing a Day Therapy Unit with a range of services for patients who either don’t need or want to be admitted into the Inpatient Unit.

2003

Following consultation with patients, visitors and staff, the Inpatient Unit is updated, with 2-bed bays converted to provide all single rooms.

2004 

Our volunteers are awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, celebrating the contribution over 700 volunteers make to achieving quality of life for patients and their families through administrative help, support, transport and fundraising.

2007 

The Bolton News run an appeal to raise £100,000 to transform the Hospice garden and HRH Princess Alexandra visits Bolton Hospice to officially open the newly-named Garden of Tranquility.

2014 

First phase of the 'Building for the Future’ project is completed to increase capacity and improve the care environment.

2017

• Final phase of the "Building for the Future" project is completed, making further improvements to the hospice in preparation for the next 25 years of care.
• Won the Hospice UK Shop Window Challenge during Hospice Care Week for our live window installation dispelling people's misconceptions about hospice care.
• Hospice at Home team awarded the Butterfly Award for Outstanding Practice in End of Life Care.

2018 

• The collaboration between Bolton Hospice, Bolton NHS FT and Bolton Council won the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust Collaboration Award for the hub meetings.
• Opened The Old Bank Cafe and new shop in Astley Bridge.
• We were the first hospice in the UK to be awarded the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM).
• Awarded the Hospice UK Dying Matters Award for Innovation for our "Supporting Families & Children through Bereavement" training for local school and nursery staff.

2020 

Our Wellbeing Hub opens.

2021 

New town centre shop on Newport Street opens.

2022 

The hospice celebrates its 30th anniversary - find out more here.