Eckersley House
St James’s Hospital, Leeds
Opened
1993
Manager
Jane McHale
Supported by Caroline & Sheila
Facilities
15 family bedrooms and a self-contained flat, 4 bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, large communal dining area, well-stocked playroom, shared living room and full laundry facilities. There are direct telephone lines to hospital wards in all bedrooms.
Contact
Tel: 0113 206 5408
Thank You to the Eckersley family
Eckersley House was first opened in1984 by HRH the Duchess of Kent. It was created as a bequest of Robert Eckersley, the late husband of Dolores and father of Mark, Julian, Louise and step son Simon. In 1994, The Sick Children’s Trust extended and refurbished the building and it was officially opened, once again, by HRH the Duchess of Kent.
Dolores says ‘the original idea for Eckersley House emerged through my discussions with Professor Sir Roy Meadow, a paediatrician at St James’s Hospital. He cared for my son, Simon, who had been hospitalised many times with kidney disease since the age of two.
Sir Roy suggested how important it was for sick children in hospital to have their parents close by, so we created Eckersley House, a home for parents in the grounds of St James’s hospital.
My late husband, I know, would be very pleased at the benefit so many families receive; certainly his own family are very proud.
I have since remarried and my present husband, Merril Halpern, and I both admire and support The Sick Children’s Trust and all their efforts with their many projects.
We firmly believe that having family nearby assists a sick child’s recovery whilst they receive treatment in hospital, as well as helping to alleviate stress within the family.
This is a highly worthwhile charity!’
