Hospice 'in a much stronger financial position'

Mike Palfreman joined the charity after the covid pandemic

The retiring chief executive of Jersey Hospice says the charity is "in a much stronger financial position" as he leaves the island.

Mike Palfreman is stepping down from the role after four years in charge of the charity.

Before coming to the island he held chief executive roles at Age Concern in the London Borough of Havering and 10 years at Haven House Children's Hospice in North East London.

Mr Palfreman joined Jersey Hospice as it recovered from the pressures of the Covid pandemic which affected its services and fundraising as well as helping to set up the island's first adult end-of-life care strategy.

It costs more than £6.5 million each year to run Jersey Hospice

The strategy saw Health and Care agree to cover 43% of Jersey Hospice's operating costs while also retaining its independence from States control.

Mr Palferman said it is "a much better financial support deal" and the "hospice's financial future is secure we're still delivering amazing services".

He added: "When I first came to Jersey and told a taxi driver what I was doing, I was struck from that moment on as to how much the island and islanders love and respect hospice."

Rachel Street has been hired to new the new chief executive of Jersey Hospice and she joins after leading Heart of Kent Hospice in Maidstone for four years.