Willow Burn Hospice

Our History

Willow Burn Hospice opened in 1989 when founders Irene Mortimer and Valerie Davison identified a gap in provision in the largely rural area of Derwentside. With the support of the Secretary of State and funding from Macmillan, Irene and Valerie set up Derwentside Hospice Care Foundation, a Day Hospice Service for North Durham. Over the years. the charity has become fondly known as Willow Burn Hospice and the rest as they say, is history.

The Willow Burn Day Hospice service expanded in 1991 to include in-patient services and in 2014, we opened the Sir Tom Cowie Health and Wellbeing Centre as a new home for our day services provision. That brings us to present day, and following a donation from Helen McArdle CBE, a brand new six-bed hospice opened in October 2018.

Willow Burn has been purpose-built to reflect the comfort of being at home. At a time when peace and tranquillity is needed the most, our team provides a safe and quiet haven. The focus is on the individual and their needs through the provision of high-quality community based care.

"Over the years. the charity has become fondly known as Willow Burn Hospice and the rest as they say, is history."

Photo

Gallery

Willow Burn (Helen McArdle Wing & Sir Tom Cowie Centre)

Helen McArdle In-Patient Wing

Helen McArdle In-Patient Wing Bedroom

Sir Tom Cowie Day Centre

Complementary Therapy Treatment Room

Counselling Room

Your Stories


"The care is outstanding, the staff are wonderful. Nothing is a bother. I count myself blessed to be able to end my days in such a wonderful place."

"I cannot imagine a more caring & positive day - Lovely atmosphere, full of surprises!"

"Our family can never thank Willow Burn and the team enough for the amazing care and compassion our Mam received. We all take comfort in knowing Mam could not of been in a better place to spend her last days. For that we will be eternally grateful."

MCcrory Family

“How do I thank you all? Where do I begin?  The care, love and support you showed my beautiful sister and also to our whole family was incredible. You are a superb team and you should be very proud of every shift you work.  There aren’t enough words or big enough words to continue...so in the words of my sister...if the only prayer you say in your entire life is ‘thank you’ that’ll be enough.  Much love to you all ”

Thank you!

Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you. Thank you.

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