Dr Donald Richards: Embedding hospice care in the NHS
05 August 2026
Dr Donald Richards, a local GP, played a defining role in embedding hospice care within the NHS, championing compassionate support for patients and their families.
Shared by Donald’s children: Dr Imogen Waterson, Prof Sir Mike Richards, Dr Stephen Richards, and Nicky Creed.
“Our father was one of the pioneers behind Sobell House and the development of palliative care in Oxfordshire. It was a time of enormous change, when end-of-life care was only just beginning to be recognised as an area requiring focus and expertise. Working closely with Dr Alistair Laing, he helped establish joint funding between the NHS and Sobell’s charity. Today, Sobell House remains one of a handful of hospices with this distinctive partnership.
A central part of the vision was that the hospice should be located on an NHS hospital site. That is why Sobell House was built within the grounds of the Churchill Hospital, allowing patients access to specialist treatments while benefiting from a calm environment with green space. When Sobell House opened in 1976, its future was uncertain. Our father and his GP partner, Dr Patrick Lawrence, provided 24-hour cover, helping make its opening possible. He believed care should extend beyond hospital beds, supporting the development of the Day Centre. Remembered for his kindness and leadership, he remained devoted to Sobell House throughout his life.”
In memory of Dr Donald Richards (1920–1994)