A NEW chief executive is set to start at one of Worcestershire's most known charities.

Current care director June Patel will take up the role at St Richard's Hospice at the end of May.

She will take on the role when current chief executive Mark Jackson retires after more than a decade as chief executive.

Mrs Patel said: "I feel honoured and privileged to have been appointed the new Chief Executive of our wonderful hospice, a much loved charity that has grown over the last 33 years and which will continue to develop thanks to the dedicated board of governors, staff, volunteers and generous support and goodwill from our community.

"I have a real passion for local healthcare and I’m looking forward to building on the achievements which Mark has led over the last decade, putting our patients and their loved ones at the heart of all we do."

Mrs Patel, from Droitwich, joined St Richard’s in 2011 and has previously worked in the NHS as managing director of Shropshire Primary Care Trust, director of clinical services and nursing of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust and director of nursing at Worcestershire Community and Mental Health Trust.

Chairman of St Richard’s Governors, John Bawden, said: "We are delighted that June will be our new chief executive as we look to extend our services to meet the needs of the community.

"She has enormous enthusiasm and experience which will contribute significantly to continuous improvements in the quality of care that the hospice provides for more than 2,500 patients and their loved ones every year.

"On behalf of the board of governors I would also like to pay tribute to Mark Jackson for the tremendous impact he has had on St Richard’s since he joined in 2006.

"I believe that June will continue to transform care for those affected by life-limiting illness in Worcestershire."

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their loved ones.

Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire.