In 1986 I First Encountered Hospice Care and Immediately Realised That I Had Found Something

In 1986 I first encountered hospice care and immediately realised that I had found something very special. At that time I was a junior staff nurse, eager to learn how to support people faced with a life-limiting and progressive illness and in turn give support to their family, friends and carers. Now, almost 30 years on and as a Chief Executive of an independent voluntary hospice I feel the same eagerness to learn and am now in a privileged position to influence end of life care practiceat local, regional and at a national level. I would describe myself as a true life-long learner as there is no end to our learning as we embrace the needs of an aging society. Throughout the years I have learnt predominantly from the community; the people who use our services, from the staff and volunteers who deliver them and from examples of good practice across the country and even from other parts of the globe, such as the development of Compassionate Communities. Innovation is then initiated from not reinvesting the wheel but maybe putting a different spin on it to support local need.

I believe specialisedcare and treatment strategies, multi-professional working and excellent communication skills are the foundations of good practice in end of life care. Respect, compassion and valuing the uniqueness of each individualhave also to be embraced so we can truly support people to live fully before they die.

I will bring to the region my values and experience from leading a successful specialist organisation, through the development of a skilled and motivated palliative care workforce.

Since 2007 I have held the appointment of regional representative (South Central), on the Advisory Council for Hospice UK (formerly Help the Hospices) and have served as the Cancer Network Representative for the National Council of Palliative Care before Networks were disbanded for over 10 years. Over this time I have established good communication networks with hospices and palliative care services within our region, which I feel will stand me a good stead to undertake this role. However I fully appreciate that End of Life Care is provided by many people outside of hospices and specialist palliative care services and I look forward to engaging with more people through this regional appointment, alongside Sue Varvel from Iain Rennie Grove House.

Ruth White

Chief Executive

The Rowans Hospice