Today (Tuesday 14th February) Dougie Mac is celebrating a huge milestone as it marks 50 years since the hospice first opened in 1973. Over the last 50 years the hospice has cared for thousands of local people facing a life-limiting condition across Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and the surrounding villages.
Known as The Douglas Macmillan Home when it first opened, the hospice cared for 315 patients in its first year – 50 years later, and now known as Dougie Mac, the hospice supports around 3,000 people every year.
Chief Executive, David Webster, said, “This is a huge milestone for Dougie Mac and we’re very proud of everything that we’ve achieved in the last half a century. The charity has grown considerably in the last 50 years and we’re now one of the biggest hospices in the country.
“More importantly though we’re a lifeline to local people, supporting them and their families when they need us most and our fantastic care team goes above and beyond to deliver an excellent level of care to every patient.”
In March 2021 Dougie Mac extended its care services to include children and young adult services which it took over from The Donna Louise. Since the merger Dougie Mac has grown its children’s and young adult’s services, enabling more families to access the hospice’s care.
David added, “By uniting children’s, young adults and adult’s services we created a modern hospice which cares for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest members of our local community. And of course what we do simply wouldn’t be possible without the fantastic support we receive every day. The generosity of the local community is phenomenal and without this support Dougie Mac wouldn’t be celebrating this milestone. So to anyone who has ever supported Dougie Mac in our 50 year history, I’d like to say thank you.”
Dougie Mac will be celebrating its 50th Birthday over a six week period with events and activities for its staff, volunteers and supporters. The hospice it calling on supporters across the local area to share birthday messages through its website at www.dougiemac.org.uk/product/50th-birthday-card or by sending in a birthday card to the hospice on Barlaston Road.
