When Sylvia Graucob’s husband Find died in 1978, Sylvia began to consider what should be done with the family home, Overgate.
In 1979, Sylvia met with Dr Quinn, one of two doctors looking to set-up Calderdale’s first Hospice, who inspired her with his vision of what a hospice could provide for the community. In those days there were only 60 hospices in the whole country so barely anybody knew much about them. Sylvia decided to donate the house so that Overgate Hospice could be established.
In 1981 the first part of the building to open was the upper floor, which had been the family bedrooms, as an Inpatient Unit. At the same time the first Palliative Care nurse post in Calderdale was introduced allowing the local community better access to specialist palliative care.
The demand for the Hospice grew and in 1994, a new purpose built inpatient unit with 12 beds was opened by the Duchess of Norfolk.
Our Day Hospice was opened in 1995 on the first floor of the house. The aim was to provide supportive palliative care to those with life-limiting illnesses prior to the need for inpatient care.
The Day Hospice has also considerably expanded; with its own purpose built space opening in 2005. In 2011 a further extension was built to offer patients more space and better facilities.
Recent updates to the Hospice include a new, private, entrance for patients, an updated reception area and the introduction of a garden space within the grounds designed to house counselling sessions and provide a spiritual area for patients, families and staff as needed.
The Hospice is continually growing to better serve the Calderdale community and ensure our services are available for years to come.
The Overgate Hospice Panel