Sophie Dudley, Single Point of Access and Responsive Care Lead

Myth: A hospice is a place you go to die

Caring for patients at the end of life only accounts for a small part of the work we do here at the hospice. Our work doesn’t only begin at the very end of someone’s life. We can help improve people’s quality of life soon after they are told they have a life-liming or incurable diagnosis, or at any stage of their condition. In fact, about half of our patients that come to our Inpatient Unit go home after receiving expert pain relief or symptom control.    

As well as offering inpatient care, we have many specialist community services that provide expert advice and support for patients at any stage of their palliative illness. We dip in and out as and when people need us, looking after hundreds of people in their own environment – whether at home or in a care home. Every service aims to help people live as well as they can for as long as they can, in the place they prefer. 

Ultimately, accessing our services does not mean a patient has no more options for support, or an improved quality of life. The sooner we can support people, the more time we have to address their problems and ensure they’re as comfortable as they possibly can be. 

Karen Walker, Ward Leader

Myth: Hospices are sad and depressing places 

A lot of people who visit the hospice – particularly our Inpatient Unit – often expect it to be a sad and gloomy place. From the moment they come through those doors, their opinion completely changes! We go above and beyond to ensure our hospice is a home away from home for our patients and their families who are visiting.    

The hospice is a warm and welcoming place for our patients and visitors. From our beautifully decorated bedrooms with private access to our gardens to delicious homemade meals made by our catering team taken to patients by our lovely volunteers and nursing staff – the comfort of our patients and their families is our absolute priority, and we go above and beyond to meet the needs of anyone staying with us.    

“It’s a very serious situation, but the staff are very upbeat and have a good sense of humour. It’s not a depressing place; the staff were very cheerful and in high spirits. It puts a smile on your face.” – supporter Stephen Griffiths, whose wife, Julie, was cared for on Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit 

Dr Jamie Mayers, Medical Director

Myth: Only people who have been diagnosed with cancer can receive care at hospices 

We care for a lot of patients with cancer at the hospice, but many of the patients we support are living with other incurable conditions. That includes neurological illnesses like motor neurone disease, as well as end-stage heart, kidney and lung diseases, Parkinson’s and much more. We do our best to tailor our care to meet the needs of everyone. 

We are here for our patients at any stage of their illness to ensure they are well supported and cared for in the place of their choosing. 

Jane Jones, Head of Onsite Clinical Services

Myth: A hospice must be a terribly sad place to work 

It’s a common misconception, but the suggestions that hospices are all doom and gloom couldn’t be further from the truth. Many people are surprised to learn that they are actually filled with warmth, laughter and connection. While there are, of course, emotional moments, the atmosphere is often calm, supportive and even joyful. 

Unlike can sometimes to be the case in a hospital, staff have more time to spend with patients and those important to them – to listen, share stories and create lasting memories. Patients can enjoy peaceful spaces like the gardens, even if they’re bedbound, helping them make the most of each day. 

Working at a hospice is an incredibly rewarding experience; it’s a place where care, compassion and humanity truly shine.

Kelly Bartram, Palliative Care Nurse

Myth: Only elderly people are cared for at hospices

In fact, about half of our patients that we care for are younger than 65. Here at Ashgate Hospice we care for anyone above the age of 18. 

Amanda Hall, Head of Community Services and Development

Myth: To receive care I will have to physically visit the hospice building 

Our care goes way beyond the walls of our main hospice site in Chesterfield. In fact, most of our patients receive care in their own homes and care homes – we do what we can to help support our patients in their place of choice.    

Our Palliative Care Specialist Nurses, Palliative Care Support Workers and therapists work alongside other health and social care professionals to ensure patients are cared for and their symptoms are managed in the best possible way.  

We want our patients to live their lives as comfortably as possible and understand what choices they have regarding their care. We also ensure that our patients and their families have access to the practical help and emotional support they might need.

Sarah Kerry, Head of Day and Support Services

Myth: Hospices only provide clinical care to patients 

Our teams on our Inpatient Unit and across the community work incredibly hard for our patients and their families, but our support goes far beyond just medical care. 

The patients and the people close to them we care for often face very distressing and challenging situations, and we do everything we can to support them along their journey, both before and after bereavement. 

Our Supportive Care Service includes Spiritual Care, Children and Young People, and Counselling services – all of which strive to help people deal with the distress and life-changing events surrounding incurable illness and death. 

Our social workers – like our fantastic Julie – ensure patients, families and friends feel listened to and more able to deal with what they are going through by offering support, often with a more practical focus including housing, finances and advocacy. 

The Supportive Care team work hand-in-hand with an amazing group of well-trained and experienced volunteers. Together, they offer a broad range of services with compassion and professionalism, both on the Inpatient Unit and out in the community.  

Find out more about all of the support we offer. 

Matt Corbishley, Deputy Chief Executive

Myth: Hospice care is fully funded by the NHS

A lot of people are surprised to learn that hospices like Ashgate aren’t fully funded by the NHS. In fact, only 31% of our income comes from local NHS budgets and that percentage is reducing every year. That leaves us needing to raise around £11 million every year through fundraising, donations, events and our charity shops. 

Government grants – like the one that was announced in December 2024 – help us to improve our buildings or buy new equipment, but they can’t be used to pay for nurses, carers or the everyday care our patients need. So every comforting meal, every visit from a nurse at home, and every moment of support is made possible thanks to the kindness and generosity of our local community. 

Your donations, fundraising and support in our shops are what keep our doors open and ensure that hospice care is always free for anyone who needs us. 

Whether you’re accessing care on our Inpatient Unit or receiving practical support from our team of social workers – you won’t pay a penny. All our services are provided absolutely free of charge to the point of access.