Heart of Kent Hospice opened its doors in 1991 thanks to the determination and generosity of local people who believed everyone facing a terminal illness should have access to expert, compassionate care.

The original Wishing Well Appeal inspired local people to give generously, enabling the hospice to be built and bringing their vision to life.

The hospice was officially opened by HRH Diana, Princess of Wales in 1992.

A dedicated group of local supporters played a pivotal role in making the hospice a reality, and we remain deeply grateful for their vision, commitment and perseverance.

We also pay tribute to our founding Patron, the late Marianna, Lady Monckton of Brenchley, whose wisdom, kindness and unwavering support helped shape the hospice for more than three decades.

Diana, Princess of Wales, and Lady Monckton at the official opening of Heart of Kent Hospice in 1992. Photo: Barry Duffield.

In 2017, following an unannounced inspection, the Care Quality Commission awarded the hospice an overall rating of Outstanding, a standard we continue to uphold today.

Since opening, we have supported more than 60,000 patients and their families through the challenges of terminal illness. Today, we care for over 1,000 patients and loved ones each year, more than at any other time in our history.

Demand for palliative and end-of-life care continues to grow as our local population ages, and we must be ready to meet that need. Our existing building now limits our room for expansion and in the long term will be unable to cope with the increasing demands for palliative and end-of-life care in our community.

We have now entered a new chapter in the future of Heart of Kent Hospice. We are planning to move to a new purpose built site in Linton, near Coxheath, in the next five years. Planning permission was granted in November 2025 and our capital campaign for our future hospice is live.

The new hospice will be a community asset, a source of expertise, and an essential part of Maidstone’s long-term health and social infrastructure. It fills a critical gap in how the Borough will manage increasing deaths as its population grows. helping ensure we can continue providing outstanding care for generations to come.