To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Winsley’s Dorothy House Hospice Care, The Princess Royal is will pay a visit to them on June 20th. Whilst there, she will attend a garden party and view a special birthday exhibition showcasing the work of Prue Dufour, founder of Dorothy House.
Ms. Dufour began Dorothy House Hospice Care at her home in Bath in 1976. According to the Dorthy House website, she was a woman of ‘vision, determination and deep faith.’ In the Christian faith, Dorothy means ‘gift of God.’ Ms. Dufour saw the great need for the terminally ill to be cared for at their homes and in their communities rather than at hospital. The first Dorothy House Hospice care facility was opened in Bath in 1979.
During her visit, Princess Anne will meet with patients, their carers, Dorothy House staff, volunteers and supporters.
Dorothy House chief executive John Davies said: “We are delighted the Princess Royal will again be visiting us to mark the 40 years of excellent care provided to those people and communities who have received our support.
“It always means such a lot to our patients, their families and carers, as well as our staff and volunteers, to see her here.”
The Queen’s daughter’s visit will be closed to members of the general public. Afterwards, however, the hospice will open the exhibition and film for public viewing.
Dorothy House provides a number of services to both patients and their carers. Everyone who is referred to the hospice centre receives a plan tailored to their individual needs and wishes. There are also several group workshops for both carers and patients that range from how to cope with receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, to a workshop for those who are homebound to receive socialization and interaction with others.