Andrew has led Hospiscare as Chief Executive since 2019 having previously been Finance Director for eight years. He successfully navigated the charity through a very challenging time during the pandemic and has been instrumental in ensuring the future of the charity in the post-Covid period. This has entailed campaigning for improved funding from the NHS and raising awareness of our plight with MPs, the Integrated Care Board, councillors and the media. This has resulted in working with Hospice UK, the national membership body for hospices, in national media reports and representing the charity in the Houses of Parliament. Whilst most of this work is unseen, Andrew continued to push our message and promote our cause to those able to influence our funding, and this work will come to fruition in the coming months.
There are many other highlights – the merger with Budleigh Salterton & District Hospiscare, CQC inspections and adopting innovative new ways of working – but always having in mind the patient and their loved ones and how we can provide the best care that we can for them.
Andrew has been honoured to have led such an organisation and to have worked with such fantastic people in all areas of the charity. He is proud to have continued the legacy left by the founder, Dr John Searle, and was privileged to have known him and to have been able to continue with his vision. Andrew was especially pleased that this was recognised in the renewal of our ‘Outstanding’ rating by the CQC during their inspection in early 2024.
Andrew commented, “When the opportunity to step into the role of chief executive presented itself, I saw it as a chance to help shape Hospiscare’s future and ensure it remains central to the community it serves. The additional challenges of Covid-19 certainly added challenges to the role, but I’ve been fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated and hardworking team of staff and volunteers. I’d like to particularly acknowledge the Senior Management Team for their unwavering dedication and support.”
He continued, “While it hasn’t been an easy decision to step down, I’m excited to pursue other projects. It feels like the right moment to pass the leadership to someone new, and I wish all the staff and volunteers at Hospiscare the very best in the future.”
Dr Helen Enright, Vice Chair of Trustees at Hospiscare, added,
“Andrew has been an integral part of Hospiscare for almost a decade and a half, leading the charity through the COVID-19 pandemic and the renewal of our ‘outstanding’ CQC rating in 2024, and campaigning tirelessly for fair statutory funding for our hospice, representing Hospiscare in national media and at the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hospice and Palliative Care in the Houses of Parliament.
“On behalf of the trustees and staff at Hospiscare, I would like to thank Andrew for his contribution to Hospiscare and to wish him the very best for his next chapter.”
Recruitment for the position of CEO will open in due course and the charity’s Operation Director & Deputy CEO, Wayne Gale, will step into the role of Interim CEO.