Hearts Together Hospital Hotel Dedicated to Monica Pearce (1933-2006) 

The thought of creating a Hospital Hotel which would support patients receiving treatment at Derriford was the dream of our founder, Monica Pearce, first suggested back in 1993 following her own heart treatment in London. In the early 1990s, Monica, along with her fellow campaigners, delivered a petition of 195,000 names to Downing Street, which prompted the House of Commons to announce in 1994 that a Cardiac Unit would be set up at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Devon. Following this success, Monica set about on her second appeal to raise enough funds to build carers' accommodation near the hospital, to provide accommodation and wrap-around support services for patients, carers and relatives when receiving medical treatment or visiting a loved one in the hospital.

Hearts Together Hospital Hotel, initially known as 'The Lodge,' opened its doors in August 2001. Since then, each year, between 7,500 to 10,000 patients, carers, and relatives have found solace in the services and accommodation provided, often described as a haven by guests experiencing some of the most difficult times in their lives. Originally named HeartSWell South West, Hearts Together underwent a transformation in July 2019 when HeartSWell merged with HeartSWell Lodge CIC to form the charity as we know it today, Hearts Together C.I.C.

Why are we needed?

University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust (Derriford Hospital) is the only designated major trauma centre, as well as the largest hospital offering several specialist and tertiary services in the southwest peninsula. With a population of approximately 2 million relying on its care across Devon & Cornwall.

Yet, amidst these critical services are the stories of patients, loved ones, and carers, navigating through uncertainty and stress. For many, accessing care means enduring lengthy journeys or grappling with the financial strain of accommodation costs, adding layers of difficulty to an already challenging situation. Here at Hearts Together, we provide more than just accommodation and support; we offer empathy, understanding, and a sense of community, placing individuals at the heart of our approach and striving to help alleviate many of the burdens caused by ill-health.

The Future

We will honour Monica's legacy by furthering the mission she began. We aim to expand our charity's reach and set a benchmark for patient, carer, and relative accommodation. It's vital that we evolve to meet the increasing demand for our services, ensuring that no one facing challenging times is left without the support they require. We're driven by the belief that people matter most.