Nurse appointed chief executive of historic London hospice
A hospice which describes itself as one of the oldest and largest in the UK has appointed a nurse as its new chief executive.
Dr Rachel Black, a dual registered adult and children’s nurse, is taking up the top role at St Joseph’s Hospice, which was founded in 1905 and provides palliative care services in East London.
Dr Black, who has been on the nursing register since 1991, has held a number of senior roles across education, research, leadership and clinical practice during her career.
She is currently the chief executive of the Orpheus Centre, a charity and college which supports young disabled adults in Surrey.
Previous jobs held by Dr Black include director of care at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and visiting lecturer at King’s College London.
She also had an 11-year career at Demelza Hospice Care for Children where her roles included head of clinical education and nurse consultant.
Speaking about her new role, which she will take up later this year, Dr Black said: “I am delighted to be joining the team and am looking forward to learning more about St Joseph’s rich history, and meeting patients, families, trustees, staff, volunteers and local communities.”
Chair of trustees at St Joesph’s, Paddy McGuinness, welcomed Dr Black’s appointment.
He said: “Rachel brings a rare combination of proven strong organisational leadership skills, a deep experience of palliative care and a noteworthy contribution as a published researcher and lecturer.”
He also praised the “outstanding service” of current chief executive Tony McLean who retires this month.
Before Dr Black’s arrival, the hospice’s deputy chief executive, director of clinical services and registered manager, Jane Naismith, will step up as interim chief executive.
