Honoring Women in Hospice and Palliative Care

Women have long been the heart of hospice and palliative care, shaping the field with compassion, innovation, and dedication. From bedside care to executive leadership, their impact is undeniable.

Dame Cicely Saunders, a nurse, physician, and social worker, revolutionized end-of-life care by founding the modern hospice movement in the 1960s. Her work laid the foundation for holistic, patient-centered care—an approach that continues to guide hospice teams today.

Florence Wald, another trailblazer, brought the hospice model to the United States, emphasizing dignity and comfort for terminally ill patients. Her vision helped integrate hospice into mainstream healthcare, changing how we approach the end of life.

Today, women continue to drive innovation in hospice and palliative care. Nurses, social workers, spiritual care coordinators, and support staff work together to ensure patients receive compassionate care. Women also lead research, advocate for policy changes, and develop programs that improve care quality.

At Hospice of the Western Reserve, we see the impact of women every day. From bedside caregivers to leaders shaping the future of hospice, their dedication ensures that patients and families receive the comfort, dignity, and support they deserve.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the women who have shaped—and continue to shape—hospice and palliative care. Their compassion and leadership make a difference in countless lives.