St Oswald's Hospice

For nearly 40 years, St Oswald’s Hospice has been a place of comfort, care and connection in the North East. Based in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, the Hospice has inspired individuals, clinicians and communities through its compassionate approach to care and its commitment to inclusion.

St Oswald’s is powered by a remarkable team of over 400 staff and 800 volunteers. From nurses and therapists to retail helpers and fundraisers, each person plays a vital role in making life better for others. Their work is not just about healthcare, it’s about dignity, hope and human connection.

In 2023, the Hospice expanded its Children and Young Adults Outreach Service, bringing care directly into homes for families who cannot travel to the Hospice which also meant that they had capacity to support more families. This ensures that support reaches those who need it most, wherever they are.

Their community spirit shines through events like the Shaun on the Tyne art trail, which raised £310,000 in 2023, and their Community Spirit celebration where in 2024, 135 medals and certificates were awarded to supporters ranging from schoolchildren to local bakers.

St Oswald’s has faced financial and operational challenges, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Yet they’ve responded with creativity and resilience. Their 2023–2027 Strategy outlines a bold plan to reshape services, working with GPs, hospitals, social care and voluntary organisations to meet changing needs.

They’ve also embraced technology, launching electronic prescribing in 2024 to reduce medication errors and improve patient safety. Their commitment to continuous improvement is evident in their leading role in local and national research, helping health and care professionals develop new skills and contribute to better patient outcomes.

In 2024–2025, St Oswald’s supported over 3,000 adult patients and more than 100 children. Families consistently praise the Hospice for its kindness, responsiveness and the way staff prioritise even the smallest comforts, like a patient’s enjoyment of culturally appropriate and favourite food.

The Hospice also offers peaceful spaces like their family room and gardens, where loved ones can spend quality time together. These touches make a difficult time more bearable and meaningful.

Equity and inclusion are central to St Oswald’s mission. Their Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group, works across recruitment, training and patient care to ensure everyone feels welcome and respected.

They’ve made significant strides in supporting neurodivergent staff, earning a Silver Award in the Neurodiversity Employers Index in 2023. Staff have shared how sensory breaks and quieter workspaces have helped them thrive.

The Hospice also champions racial equity and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. In 2024, they hosted a Black History Month event with regional female leaders and the Mayor of the North East, celebrating African and Caribbean cultures and fostering dialogue across communities.

Staff are encouraged to speak up through confidential channels, and the organisation regularly reports on protected characteristics. Their 2025 EDI survey showed that 94% of staff had not experienced harassment or discrimination, with clear actions taken where issues were raised.

St Oswald’s is also a leading provider of specialist palliative care education in the North East. They offer training and resources for doctors, nurses, therapists and other healthcare professionals, helping them deliver compassionate, patient-centred care. Their consultants are involved in outreach sessions across the region, sharing expertise and strengthening care network.

This commitment to education ensures that the Hospice’s impact extends far beyond its walls, improving care standards across the region.

St Oswald’s Hospice is a shining example of what the Third Sector Award celebrates. They deliver outstanding care, uplift communities, overcome challenges with creativity and lead with compassion. Their work over the past 39 years shows how a local organisation can make a lasting difference, building a more inclusive, caring North East for everyone.