Hospice CEO hands over baton after 12 years of giving her all
After 12 years of “giving her all” Saint Francis Hospice’s Chief Executive Officer Pam Court is handing over the baton to her successor.
Pam, who was appointed in 2011, announced her decision to step down earlier this year so she could look to the next chapter of her life and spend more time with her family.
“It’s been a privilege to be the CEO of Saint Francis Hospice and I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved over the past 12 years and to be leaving the hospice in such a strong and positive position,” said Pam.
“I have given ‘my all’ since I was appointed in May 2011. I instantly felt such a strength of feeling and compassion for the hospice and the people who work in it and support it.
“During my time here, we have expanded our services, enhanced the quality of care and strengthened our partnerships within the local commissioning landscape and the wider community and continue to maintain a strong financial position.”
Pam welcomed the new CEO Grazina Berry, who is an experienced charity leader with a career in non-profit and public sectors spanning over 20 years.
As CEO, Grazina led Overcoming MS (OMS) and the Aplastic Anaemia Trust (AAT); community organisations supporting, informing and empowering people affected by complex life-limiting and threatening illnesses.
“I am thrilled to share the wonderful news of Grazina's appointment as my successor to become CEO,” said Pam.
“I have every confidence that our dedicated staff and volunteers will extend their full support to Grazina as she takes the helm.
“Her vision and expertise will undoubtedly steer our hospice towards a bright future, so we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Grazina will join the hospice on the 16 October and spend three weeks with Pam to ensure a smooth handover before she leaves on 3rd November.
"It is a huge privilege to be joining Saint Francis Hospice as its new CEO,” said Grazina, who brings a wealth of experience in the charity and healthcare sectors, including working for people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as experience as CEO of those charities.
“I was drawn to this exceptional organisation due to a clear alignment between its values and my own and a shared passion for excellence in compassionate end-of-life and palliative care, tailored to each individual and their loved ones, provided by people who are valued and rewarded for their hard work.
“Saint Francis Hospice is, without a doubt, an excellent, effective, and efficient organisation, respected by its partners and deeply appreciated by the local communities, families, and individuals it serves every day with genuine kindness, unwavering commitment, and real compassion.
“I am looking forward to working with everyone at Saint Francis Hospice and building on the strong foundations and impressive legacy created by Pam, the committed and passionate teams of staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, and supporters.
“In the fast-paced and complex world we live in, there is much to do to meet the ever-growing and changing demand for accessible, inclusive, and compassionate palliative and end-of-life care, harnessing digital technologies, working effectively with partners in health and social care, as well as the wider hospice and charity sector, never losing sight of what matters to every person and family that comes to Saint Francis Hospice at their time of need."
