Hospice seeks new trustees leader

Current chair, former charity director and NHS chairman Lynda Shelton, is retiring and the search is on for someone to take over.

Hospice chief executive Christopher Duff said: “We are looking for a chair with the calibre and commitment to lead the board with confidence, and the skills and contacts to help us touch everyone in the Rotherham community, build on our success and take forward the development of the hospice and its governing body.

“If you have played a senior role in business, or as a leader of clinical services have strong commercial skills, fundraising knowledge or ability to understand the developments in best practice end of life and palliative care, then the hospice would be very interested in speaking to you.”

Vice chair of trustees Jeremy Neal, son of Hospice founder and President Dr Frank Neal, said: “Lynda has been a fabulous chair. We will be looking for someone who can continue to build on our legacy, to lead the board capably, to energise and inspire us and to ensure the Hospice’s role of providing compassionate care and  ensuring the patient is at the centre of everything we do.”

The board of 12 trustees give their time voluntarily and are the governing body that oversees the hospice’s work, both in the community and at the Inpatient and Day Care services at Broom Road.  They come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from medical and clinical to business and finance. Four new trustees were brought in last summer.

Mr Duff added: “We are extremely grateful for their help and support in our determination to build and grow our services so we can help more people who need us.”  

The Hospice celebrates its 20th anniversary on September 9 and has ambitious hopes for the future, including expanding the work of its Hospice at Home team and community team so patients can be supported in their place of choice.

There is also a growing need for specialist therapy services and counselling and bereavement services. “People are living longer and the demand for these services – all of which are free - is growing. The hospice needs to be ready to support more people with more help in future,” added Mr Duff.

Lynda Shelton has served as a trustee for 16 years and has been chair for the last three years. She said: “It is now time to pass the role on to someone else. It has been very satisfying to make a contribution to my community and make a lasting difference to a cause I care about, and on which so many people rely at a crucial time in their lives.”

Anyone interested in the role should email [email protected]