History of the hospice

Sir Michael Sobell House was built as the result of a personal donation from Sir Michael Sobell, a public appeal and a contribution from the Department of Health. It opened in 1976, with 12 beds, and is named after its benefactor.

It was Sir Michael Sobell’s wish that it became part of the Oxford Health Authority, making it only the second palliative care unit to be run and administered by them. However Sir Michael also wished that it be supported by the ‘community’, thus the continuing role of the Charity.

The service has since 2003 been housed in a light and airy, purpose built building with 20 beds in the Inpatient Unit, and 15 places a day in the Day Hospice. Complementary therapies and the offices of the several teams that make up the service are housed in the refurbished building, and a large garden is on the site of the old inpatient unit.

The offices of Sobell House Hospice Charity, and of the Sobell Study Centre are in the same building.

:: Visit the main Hospice Website here.