The chief executive of St Catherine’s Hospice is stepping down from his role as he retires at the end of this week.

Stephen Greenhalgh has pioneered a range of improvements to enhance the care and support provided to local people facing life-shortening illnesses, as well as their loved ones and the wider community over the last 15 years, from the Lostock Hall hospice and in people’s own homes.

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Since 2005, Stephen has worked with colleagues to deliver a major multi-million pound redevelopment programme of hospice facilities centred on the inpatient unit and the onsite Lymphoedema Woodside Clinic.

The community Clinical Nurse Specialist service was saved from closure and now supports more than 225 people at home at any one time.

Stephen’s nationally acclaimed, award-winning vision has transformed and opened up the hospice environment, creating new interest in the charity, and attracting hundreds of new volunteers and vital new income for the cause.

Stephen said: “People here believe in continued improvement; they believe that every moment matters and in constantly striving for better. No matter what the challenges, we are always seeking new ways to meet unmet need.

“St Catherine’s must continue to be courageous in its determined mission to help people experience higher standards of end of life living.”

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Stephen has also raised thousands of pounds for St Catherine’s himself, taking on many of the charity’s varied fundraisers including firewalks, abseils, zip slides, ‘sitting in the stocks’ and the annual Moonlight and Memories Walk.

His favourite times have been visiting local schools and taking opportunities to care for patients alongside nurses and housekeepers.

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Stephen said: “These have been magical moments and a heartfelt privilege. St Catherine’s is amazing and I feel deeply humbled and privileged to have played a small part in its fabulous story.

“For me, St Catherine’s is far more than a hospice building, a philosophy of care and a community of amazing people.

“We are part of an ‘end of life matters’ movement determined to improve the most underfunded part of 21st century life.

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“Our army of staff and supporters, paid and voluntary, all have a passionate conviction to end unnecessary suffering and transform the way we experience our last months and years.

“Over 200 hospices across the UK are astonishing in their commitment to this cause.”

The Board of Trustees has appointed Lynn Kelly as Stephen’s successor. Lynn is currently Director of Knowledge and Technical at St Catherine’s Hospice, and will commence her new role on Saturday 5 September.

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