Alan Titchmarsh, CBE, patron of Mountbatten Hampshire, has unveiled the Frances Sheldon Centre, in honour of a social worker who played a critical role in highlighting the importance of emotional wellbeing in end-of-life care.

Following extensive refurbishment, thanks to the support of a host of businesses, trusts and grant-makers, the building that houses clinical teams and a cafe is now named in memory of the organisation’s first ground-breaking social worker.

Frances was a key player in transforming the way dying people were cared for, when Countess Mountbatten Hospice was based in West End, Southampton. In 2004, she died on the inpatient unit she knew so well (since renamed Mountbatten Hampshire).

Patron, Alan Titchmarsh, CBE, formally unveiled the plaque. Frances’s partner, brother, sister-in-law and sons travelled to Mountbatten Hampshire for the occasion.

Scroll down to watch the video of the opening ceremony...

Above, Frances Sheldon. Below, Alan Titchmarsh, CBE, Mountbatten Patron, unveils the plaque.

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The celebration also coincided with the retirement of much-loved Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley, MBE, who has spent a decade at the charity.

Nigel said: “Frances Sheldon was a giant in the history of palliative care. She was the first social worker at Countess Mountbatten Hospice and championed the psychosocial elements of hospice and palliative care.

“She was incredibly inspirational, in helping those of us who are not clinicians to realise we have an important part to play when people are dying. I am incredibly thankful to Frances.

“After a decade in my role, and over thirty years spent in a career in which I have been so fortunate to work with brilliant people like Frances, I will greatly miss the team at Mountbatten Hampshire. I intend to continue to support them in any way I can.”

Below: Second from left, Nigel Hartley, MBE; third from right, Alan Titchmarsh, CBE, Mountbatten Patron; members of Frances's family and Mountbatten staff. 

Thanking those for attending the opening ceremony, Alan said he was aware of the respect and affection with which The Mountbatten Group of hospices is held.

Frances’s son, Matthew Sheldon, said: “As children growing up, we were not aware of the activities which made Mum a giant in psychosocial care, so it’s wonderful for us to come back. Mum would have been deeply embarrassed, but what she would have said matters is what happens in this centre, every day.” 

Scroll down to watch the video of the opening ceremony...

Below, Frances's son, Matthew Sheldon.  

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