St Michael’s Hospice has a new Chairman and that’s Susan Munroe who brings a wealth of experience as a nurse, in palliative care at a national level and as a senior leader in several charities.

Susan first trained as a nurse and worked for a number of years in elderly medicine. She ran a Marie Curie hospice and subsequently worked for Marie Curie across Scotland, before undertaking a national UK role as Director of Nursing and Patient Services. 

Susan says: “I am absolutely delighted to become part of this great organisation which is so well loved and respected by the local community.

“As I take over we are in the midst of Covid-19 restrictions but can see some hope for the end of it.

“I want to pay tribute to the staff and volunteers of St Michael’s Hospice who have worked tirelessly to continue providing a service during such a difficult time and I look forward to being part of an exciting future for the Hospice as we come out of it.”

Dr Karen Clarke, Chief Executive of St Michael’s Hospice said: “I look forward to our new partnership and continuing the work started with our former Chairman Irene Dibben. The Hospice, like everyone, has had a difficult year but we continue to support patients and their families and work closely with our NHS partners. Everyone in health and social care is working tirelessly, going above and beyond time and again, desperately hoping the devastation and distress caused by coronavirus will ease.

“As part of the Hospice’s Leadership Team the Board, and particularly the Chairman, play a pivotal role in supporting and guiding the organisation through this challenging period. I have valued and appreciated the Board’s concern, commitment and unwavering support throughout the pandemic and with Susan, look forward to starting a new chapter in St Michael’s Hospice story: to reach more people in different ways, just as soon as we can.”

St Michael’s Hospice operates a Donation Centre in St Leonards on Sea where appointments can be made to drop off donations. In addition, there are eight retail shops in Battle, Bexhill on Sea, Hastings, Ore, Rye, Sidley and St Leonards on Sea.

The hospice needs to raise more than £14,400 every day to keep running. You can find out more about donating, legacies, events, the Hospice Lottery and more on our website www.stmichaelshospice.com.