6 Thames Hospice • Visit us thameshospice.org.uk or call us 01753 842 121 7 New Chief Executive shapes Thames Hospice for the future <strong>In</strong>troducing the Senior Management Team Jackie Geeson, Director of Human Resources Jackie joined in June 2012 and is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day people management of all staff and volunteers. Jackie has a wealth of experience in the charity sector. Ruth Bartholomew, Finance Director Ruth joined in December 2014 and is responsible for Finance, IT and Facilities. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has nearly 30 years experience in a wide range of finance roles. Jacquie Batchford, Director of Patient and Family Services Jacquie joined 15 years ago and leads the <strong>In</strong>patient Unit, Hospice at Home, Community Therapy Unit and Psychological Support teams. She has been a nurse for 30 years and took on her new role this May. Julie Rowley, Director of Retail Julie joined in April 2006 and is responsible for the retail side of the business. She has 23 years of financial and commercial High Street management experience. Julie became our Director of Retail in May <strong>2015</strong>. Neil Harman, Director of Fundraising Neil joined in July <strong>2015</strong> and heads up the fundraising team, managing our fundraising revenues, from events and challenges to trusts and business supporters. Neil has worked in fundraising for over 10 years. Doctor Cecily Wright, Medical Director Cecily joined in June 2013 and is responsible for the treatment and care of our patients and representing our clinical teams at the most senior level. She started working with us as a Consultant in Palliative Medicine and became our Medical Director in July <strong>2015</strong>. Debbie Raven became the Chief Executive of Thames Hospice in March <strong>2015</strong>. After six months in the role, she talks us through her journey so far and gives an exclusive insight into her plans. “There is no doubt that the next five years will be a very exciting time for Thames Hospice and there will be a number of developments which will benefit our patients and their families. We are currently the busiest independent hospice in the country, which presents us with both a challenge and an opportunity. The good thing is that all our beds and services are being utilised to the maximum, but the bad news is that every day between 8-13 people are waiting for a bed.” With a rapidly ageing population and a significant rise in the number of referrals, Debbie’s focus is clear: “We need to ensure we can deliver expert care to an increasing number of families, now and in the future.” <strong>In</strong>crease in demand “We currently have 17 beds in our <strong>In</strong>patient Unit in Windsor. However, all the evidence is telling us that we will need double that by 2025. We also need to expand our Hospice at Home service so more people can be cared for in their own home. Our challenge, though, is not just finding the funds to build more capacity, but also ensuring that we can afford to run these enhanced services too.” Currently it costs £7 million a year to run the Hospice and only 20% of the costs are government funded. With an increasing number of patients being supported, running costs will rise too. Debbie explains how she plans to ensure Thames Hospice delivers the growth strategy and sustains it. “To put this strategy in place, I need to make sure I have the right teams by my side. From the care side and fundraising to HR and finance, I am delighted to introduce my new Senior Management Team” (above right). The future Debbie continues: “Our supporters are already very generous but we will not achieve the extra funding we need from fundraising and our shops alone. We need to focus on maximising all funding avenues, plus seek ways to ensure we are working as efficiently Where our budget comes from Retail 32% Donations 30% Hospice grants etc 27% Lottery 5% <strong>In</strong>vestments 5% Other 1% as we can to meet the needs of patients and their families." Debbie explains that she is already in talks with NHS Commissioning Groups to lobby for a higher percentage of government funding. There are also plans to expand the shops, which has started with the recently refurbished Thames Hospice Home (read more details on page 3). The charity also launched its own Local Lottery last year, which plays a crucial role in building regular income (Read page 9 for more information and fill out the form on page 10 to register). Evaluating what we do well “We will also focus on seeking ways to support our teams in working to the very best of their capability. For Debbie at the launch of Thames Hospice Home example, identifying any duplications of care in the community or growing our amazing group of dedicated volunteers. It is about evaluating what is working well and reviewing whether we could do anything better. These exercises will ensure we have the solid foundations in place to build successfully on top,” said Debbie Although increasing the funding coming into the charity is crucial for expanding the Hospice, Debbie is adamant that this will not happen if it compromises the quality of care or heartfelt compassion delivered. “I have been a nurse for 28 years and joined Thames Hospice two and a half years ago, originally as Director of Patient and Family Services. I will always remain close to our care services – it is the heart of our operation. We provide the highest possible care to our patients, their families and their loved ones. It is key that the same amount of compassion and excellence is still given when we increase the number of people we support.” The sky’s the limit Debbie is excited by the path ahead and confident that the teams will overcome the challenges. <strong>In</strong> just six months in her new role, she has been named one of the region’s most inspirational women, restructured the Senior Management Team and begun shaping Thames Hospice for the future. Also on the horizon is a 13,000 feet free fall tandem skydive to raise funds for Thames Hospice. You can sponsor Debbie at justgiving.com/Debbie-Raven1 She finishes the interview with a warm thank you. “I would like to thank all our staff, volunteers and supporters – without them none of this would be possible. I really hope you continue with us on this exciting journey for many years to come.” Watch this space and visit thameshospice.org.uk for updates on how the charity’s journey to 2025 is progressing.