The chief executive of Prospect Hospice has said goodbye to her colleagues.
Irene Watkins has led the organisation to an overall Outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission.
She originally joined Prospect Hospice in 2018 as interim chief executive for six months, but agreed to stay on.
Irene told colleagues who met to mark her moving on that she was proud to have led such a dedicated team during very challenging times.
“I want to say thank you for your hard work, resilience and commitment to Prospect,” she said.
“What was to have been a six months project for me back in 2018 turned into nearly five years. The unprecedented world pandemic meant we had to close our inpatient unit, and within two weeks our clinical staff were out in the community, giving their special support as only they know how.
“Now we have had to make the adjustment of getting back to a new normal from the impact of covid. It has been quite a journey for us all.
“I want to say a huge thank you. To our volunteers who support us each and every day, in our shops, fundraising, on reception, and of course in keeping our heart-of-the-hospice café beating each day with our brilliant catering team.
"To our fundraising and retail staff who go the extra mile to engage the community, and bring in the much needed funds so that no patient or family ever has to pay a penny for care.
“Last, but not least, a big thank you to our background support functions. We just couldn’t keep the hospice running without you all.
"You’re all part of the great team that keeps the hospice ever present in our community. It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with you.”
Prospect Hospice has appointed experienced charity leader Jeremy Lune, who has lived in Swindon for 35 years, as its new chief executive.
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article