1. St Christopher's Centre for Awareness and Response into End of Life
Education lies at the heart of everything we do at St Christopher’s as we believe people deserve excellent end of life care wherever they are, and whatever their circumstances.
2. David Tasma Window
In 1948, whilst as an almoner at Archway Hospital, Dame Cicely met David Tasma, a 40-year-old Polish Jewish refugee who had fled the Warsaw Ghetto.
3. Reception
A key focus of the hospice was and still is to be welcoming; open to the public, and not a place for the dying to be hidden away and isolated.
4. The Rehabilitation Gym
The gym is run by a team of occupational health therapists; this includes physiotherapists, occupational health therapists, dieticians and speech and language therapists. AUDIO
5. The Dame Cicely Saunders Room
The Dame Cicely Saunders Room was the original reception area at St Christopher’s.
6. The Tribute Tree
We have two unique handmade Tribute Tree sculptures; the first is located outside the Pilgrim Room on the first floor and the other is on the ground floor stairwell, close to the Anniversary Centre. AUDIO
7. The Pilgrim Room
The Pilgrim Room is a multifaith room. It is a space for everybody and offers a chance for some quiet time and reflection. It is a welcoming space and in it you’ll find a large memories book that people can write in. AUDIO
8. The Wards
As you’ll see on the walk to the wards, windows and light are very important at St Christopher’s. This is continued on the wards itself, with each of the rooms having large windows looking out over the local area or the gardens. AUDIO
9. The Anniversary Centre
The Anniversary Centre was opened in July 2009, following a capital appeal that raised £2.5million. Open seven days per week, the space is used to provide a social space for patients, families and carers. AUDIO
10. The Rotary garden
The Anniversary centre leads out onto a large garden, which offers a space for peace and reflection. It is used regularly by all those that spend time at or visit the hospice and is looked after with great love and diligence by volunteers. AUDIO
11. The Pavilion Garden
The Pavilion Garden offers patients, families, staff and volunteers the perfect place to relax, but also to feel part of the city. AUDIO
12. The Arts Pavilion
The Pavilion is home to a whole range of groups and classes. Led by the Arts Team at St Christopher’s, it is part of our Wellbeing Programme and is used by lots of people for creative activities such as art and music therapies. AUDIO
13. The Memorabilia Room
You're now at the final stop of the tour: the memorabilia collection at St Christopher’s CARE.
14. Dame Cicely Saunders House
Dame Cicely Saunders lived in Sydenham, close-by to the hospice. She bought the house in 1969 with her partner (who later became her husband), the painter Marian Bohusz-Szyszko, and another couple. After the tour of the hospice, feel free to take a walk to see the house and get to know Dame Cicely’s commute! AUDIO