St Catherine’s support of neighbouring hospice reaches positive conclusion

A partnership between St Catherine’s and a neighbouring hospice has had a ‘significant impact’, bosses have announced.

Stephen Greenhalgh, chief executive at St Catherine’s Hospice, Lostock Hall, was also appointed as interim chief executive at Bury Hospice for a six-month period from February, when CEO Jacqui Comber was suspended and then dismissed. This followed concerns expressed about Bury’s management and leadership.

Stephen worked in a dual role between the two hospices in a bid to help Bury make much-needed progress, and drafted colleagues from St Catherine’s to offer expert advice in fields such as finances, fundraising, safety and communications.

St Catherine’s received appropriate payment for these services, meaning donations made by the public to St Catherine’s has continued to fund the specialised palliative care provided to the people of Preston, Chorley, Longridge and South Ribble.

Over the past six months, new trustees and a temporary general manager have been recruited at Bury, and a recent internal review and staff survey have since found that morale has improved, with colleagues once again feeling proud to work for Bury Hospice.

The team from St Catherine’s made a final visit to Bury recently to bid farewell and make longer-term recommendations for the charity going forward.

Stephen said: “Everyone from both hospices has been so enthusiastic, wanting to make a difference, and have really put their heart and soul into making progress.

“Little things like openness, consideration, encouragement and honesty go a long way, and that’s what people believe in when we are caring for them, which is of course at the heart of everything we do.”

A recruitment process is underway to find a new chair of trustees at Bury who, when appointed, will work with the board to consider the timing for appointing a new chief executive.

Stephen added: “I have felt humbled and privileged to be working with two terrific teams of staff and volunteers who are all totally committed to helping patients and families in challenging circumstances.

“The partnership has created a new beginning in Bury and whilst these are just the first steps along the way, I hope that it has averted what could have been a more general loss of confidence in hospices as safe and worthy places to support.”

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