Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland appoint new CEO
The Board of Trustees at Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland (HHCNL) are pleased to announce that Debbie Mckenna has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer from October 1st, 2022. Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role having worked as a nurse, manager and clinical lead in acute and community healthcare organisations.
During the Covid pandemic Debbie received two awards in her role as Infection Prevention and Control Lead supporting Primary Care, Care Homes, Domiciliary Care and the Covid vaccine rollout. Debbie said “This was very much a team effort, and I am proud that all involved pulled together to ensure the best care was delivered to the people of North Cumbria. I value my established relationships and networks and appreciate the opportunity to increase and strengthen these, acknowledging how working together improves care for patients their families and carers.”
Debbie joined Hospice at Home CNL as Clinical Lead in February 2022 saying: “I was impressed by the ethos of the organisation and how all staff, volunteers and donors were valued and this transfers into excellent patient care.”
Debbie paid tribute to Fiona Stobart, her predecessor as Chief Executive, acknowledging how instrumental Fiona was in the success of the charity, building an organisation that is loved and supported by the local community. Debbie is looking forward to her new role in the organisation, working with the new Westmorland & Furness and Cumberland Councils, other hospices and the new Integrated Care Boards that are mandated for the first time through the Health and Social Care Bill (2022) to commission Palliative and End of Life Care.
Chair of Trustees, David Wood, said “We are delighted to ask Debbie to take on the responsibility of leading HHCNL into the future. In challenging times, caring for people at the end of their lives, as well as their families, remains our core purpose and we are sure that she will bring her passion and experience to this work.”