About The Peace Hospice

The Peace Hospice is an important part of the local community. The idea for a hospice in South West Hertfordshire was developed in 1990.

There are between 400-600 deaths as a result of cancer in this region alone. Without a hospice, patients needing specialist palliative care would have to travel to Berkhamsted, Welwyn or Northwood, or be accommodated in busy hospital wards. For the 250,000 local people, more needed to be done for people with cancer and their families and carers.

In 1991 the charity was formed and the Watford Observer played a key role in backing a campaign to install a Hospice in the then derelict Peace Memorial Hospital. Many local people had been patients there and did not want the building to fall further into decline.

In 1993, the charity bought the land and the Peace Hospice was born. Within 2 years the premises were fully renovated and the first patients moved in.

Since 1993, The Peace Hospice has run a Day Hospice which provides medical and clinical care, physiotherapy, hairdressing, aromatherapy, diversional therapy, spiritual and social care to up to 75 people per week.

In addition it runs a family support department and bereavement network, working with more than 200 families. In June 2001 it opened an 11-bed inpatient unit, offering 24 hour specialist palliative care. Patients attend for respite care, symptom and medication control, and intensive care.