Hospice chief hopes to reopen community centre

Rachel Street joined the team at Jersey Hospice Care in July 2025

The new chief executive of Jersey's only hospice hopes to reopen a centre for the community, which shut due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rachel Street joined the team at Jersey Hospice Care in July after the former chief executive, Mike Palfreman, retired from his role after four years.

As part of her new role, Ms Street wants to reopen the King Centre to offer support and activities to islanders.

The centre, based at the hospice site, was previously used for day services which included respite and physiotherapy.

'Great facilities'

She said "I know there's a real desire to get our King Centre used again out of Covid, to get it busy and active and open for people..."

The centre, based at the hospice site, was previously used for day services including respite, physio, and other complimentary therapies.

The King Centre is currently only used for events and to host groups such as a choir.

It is also used as an office space for Family First, a charity which helps people who have to leave Jersey to get medical treatment for their children.

"The team are putting together some plans to see what it is that we can provide in the King Centre and what it is that our community needs and wants," Ms Street said.

She added: "Sometimes it might be just the simple thing of having a cup of tea with someone else that's in a similar position to you that can be so supportive for people that are going through a very difficult time.

"We've got great facilities here and we just want to see them used."

Ms Street had previously been chief executive at Heart of Kent Hospice for four years before moving to Jersey in July to take on the new role.