In 1925 Mary Stevens, wife of one of Stourbridge's greatest benefactors, died and her husband, Ernest, purchased Whitehall with its 10 acres of land in Pedmore, demolished its buildings and built a Maternity Home, named after his wife, which in 1931 was given by Deed of Gift to the Borough of Stourbridge who became its Trustees.

From then until its closure in December 1984, mothers from Stourbridge and the surrounding Districts came to have their babies at The Mary Stevens Maternity Home. After its closure and reorganization of Local Government, Stourbridge was absorbed into the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley.

The later Alderman George Griffiths and Dr. Kate Rogers, both ex-Mayors of Dudley, saw the need for a Hospice in the Borough of Dudley and during 1986 the Mary Stevens Hospice was registered as a Charitable Trust No. 517656 with the objective of establishing a Day Unit to care for the terminally ill within the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley and the surrounding districts.

Fundraising commenced in 1986 to raise £1 million capital for the building of the Day Care Unit and this unit was completed in 1991. To finalize the capital, an interest free loan of £500,000 was secured from Cancer Relief Macmillan Fund. This loan was repaid by the Hospice in early 1993.

DAY UNIT The Day Care Unit, registered for 15 patients per day, was opened to receive patients in November 1991, initially for two days per week and it was officially opened by Diana, Princess of Wales in March 1992. In April 1993 the Unit was opened for five days per week.

Professional staff are on hand to spend time with patients addressing their individual nursing, medical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.

The team of nurses, doctors, physiotherapists and volunteers offers a full range of services including complementary therapies such as massage, hydrotherapy, hairdressing and manicure.

Regular day trips and special activities are very much part of everyday entertainment. Patients can choose from a shopping trip or a visit to places of interest, to handicrafts, art or board games. Or they can simply relax and read in our homely lounge.

In November 1993 an Appeal was launched to raise capital of £1.25 million to build a ten bedded residential unit.

In 1996 the first stage of the project was completed at a cost of £220,000. This consists of a Seminar Room (named the Griffiths Rogers Room) which is used for teaching seminars and a laundry/ironing room.

Building of the ten bedded unit was finalised in December 1998 at a cost of £1.25 million with a further £250,000 for equipment costs.

The first patients were admitted in August 1999.

RESIDENTIAL UNIT Home-from-Home best describes our bright and spacious residential centre for patients with more complex needs.

With 10 beds, some in single rooms and some in small wards of three or four beds, our special facilities make the stay a real comfort. All rooms are purpose designed to overlook our sunny patio and landscaped gardens.

For our patients' total convenience, many rooms have specially adapted en-suite facilities. The latest hi-tech shower, bath and Jacuzzi facilities, including lifting equipment, are available for patients with special needs.

Our residential patients enjoy all the benefits and activities of our day hospice. As well as full-time nursing, our medical staff are available to see to the needs of each individual.

At important times an overnight en-suite stay room is also provided for families and friends.

No-one knows when they may need special care to help them continue living life to the full. Hospices exist to offer care at a time when support is needed in order to care for oneself.

Anyone needing palliative care and support from across the Dudley Borough and the surrounding districts can depend on The Mary Stevens Hospice.

The on-going costs for both units is £1.25 million per year and ever increasing. The Hospice is committed to continuously improving the level of care to patients. However, to achieve this we need your help.

At times of great distress or anxiety, the Hospice is there to support patients and their carers with practical, physical, emotional and spiritual advice to enhance the quality of life.