My interest in palliative and end of care had continued since training days. So it was great to see Milton Keynes had its own hospice, that opened in 1981. Our pre-opening visit there enabled our team to understand what was being done there. Built around a listed farm house the founders had seen, they raised the money to start. It confirmed to me that there would be a place to begin my learning more about hospice based care.
At that time the local lanes hadn’t all been closed. One close to the hospice was turned into a Redway, the name given to the pedestrian and cycle paths in MK because of the red tarmac used on them. Once closed the area became quieter in terms of through traffic though now lots of pedestrians and cyclists would pass as they travelled around the neighbouring lake. The lakes at Willen had two characters. The southern lake became a water sports area. The northern lake, with the hospice at the north end became a wild fowl reserve with an island. This gave the hospice a calming setting, and great views.
They had a few beds and a day centre, and were looking to expand in time. There was also a community team of nurse specialists. I made a mental note that this would in time be a place to work. Having just moved to MK I thought it best to wait a while and enjoy the experience of opening the hospital.
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