THE new boss at Pendleside Hospice has spoken of her desire to protect the good work the charity has already done.

Helen McVey joined the hospice as day therapy leader from Methodist Care Homes in April 2004 and was promoted to clinical services manager two years later.

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She took over the role of chief executive from Brian Hartup earlier this month.

The 45 year old said: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking on this new role, leading Pendleside Hospice into the next stage of its development and am determined to ensure it continues to provide outstanding care to those that need it.

“Our priorities will be to protect what Pendleside has achieved and the values that have led to its success, whilst continuing to look forward, ensuring that we embrace the future challenges and turn them into opportunities.”

Helen has a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing via a cancer and palliative care pathway, and a Master’s degree in hospice leadership from Lancaster University.

The former Haslingden High School student underwent three years of training at Addenbrooke’s School of Nursing in Cambridge from 1988 until 1991.

She worked at Kirklandside Hospital in Kilmarnock for five years before joining Methodist Care Homes as a home manager in March 2001.

Helen said: “While I was working as a clinical services manager at Pendleside Hospice, I undertook a Master’s degree run in partnership with Lancaster University and Hospice UK, from which I graduated in December 2013.

“The purpose of the programme was to prepare hospice leaders for dealing with the many challenges that hospices are currently facing and are likely to face in the future.”

Pendleside Hospice is a registered charity, and provides life-enhancing care for people with terminal illnesses, their families, and their carers.

Every person it helps gets the services of the expert staff free of charge.

Helen said: “Having worked here for almost 11 years, I’m very proud of the care the team provides and the difference the hospice can make to people.”

The hospice offers specialist palliative care to patients who are 18 years of age or over with cancer or other life-limiting illnesses.

Referrals are accepted from any healthcare professional, patient, relative or carer.

Donations can be made by visiting the hospice website or by calling 01282 440120.