The Beginning

 

The Beginning.

In the early 1970's a young anaesthetist called Dr. Merton Seigleman had a vision. to provide painfree and dignified care for patients with a diagnosis of cancer in their final stages of life.  During his career he had seen many patients pass away in hospitals in a great deal of pain and wanted very much to help them.

The first difficulty he was faced with was, where could he get staff from and secondly if he was able to get the staff, where were would they go, as no buildings were  available to house such a place.

His first course of action was to arrange a meeting with the chairman of the Health Authority to discuss his dream.  The Chairman at the time was Mr Ian Wooley who agreed to a meeting. During the meeting Dr. Seigleman enthusiastically outlined his hopes and dreams, thankfully Mr. Wooley agreed that such a place was needed, but unfortunately the facts were, that there was no funds available to build brand new premises. Not deterred by this Dr. Seigleman planted a seed in the hospital chiefs mind and told him, If i can find the money to build the premises, will you find the personnel to run it?  The deal was struck and both men went away wondering how they were going to fulfill this promise.

Public meetings were quickly organised in Blackburn with many people attending and Dr. Seigleman was encouraged with the response to his idea's. Public meetings were extended to Darwen, Accrington and Ribble Valley and again a very favourable response. More meetings were called and a committee was formed to move the dream a little closer.

Pockets of fundraising groups started shooting up in all the area's each of them with one aim, to build a 'Hospice' for the communities of East Lancashire. Money started pouring in as the general public showed their support for the scheme.

The finance committee had put together a projected budget cost of £200,000. This of course seemed like an enormous mountain to climb but they kept at it with support getting stronger and stronger. Quickly this projected figure was passed and funds still continued to flow, such was the dedication and determination of local people to have their 'Hospice'

Architect plans were drawn up, although the cost's had been dramatically under estimated and now the projected cost were £700,000. Fundraisers were still working flat out to reach theirs, and Dr. Seiglemans dream.

On 12th May 1983 Dr. Siegleman with great pride laid the foundation stone for the brand new purpose built East Lancashire Hospice, a ten bedded in-patient unit.

On the 21st June 1984 the East Lancashire Hospice first opened their doors to patients and their families, with Dr. Merton Seigleman as doctor in charge. Mr Ian Wooley true to his word provided the medical staff and the first palliative care centre in East Lancashire had become a reality thanks to the people of Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley the hospice was built by the community for the community.

 

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