A well-known local charity has appointed a new chief executive.

On Wednesday (27 May), Katharine House Hospice announced that David Fletcher, who has been Director of Care since 2022, had been appointed as the charity's new chief executive.

This follows the departure of Dr Richard Soulsby after 27 years of leadership.

In his previous role, David has already played an important part in strengthening and developing the charity's services.

Katharine House Hospice said: "Under his leadership, our care teams became national finalists at the prestigious Nursing Times Awards.

"He has also helped strengthen collaborative working with neighbouring hospices and supported the launch of a 24/7 palliative care advice line across Staffordshire to help reduce emergency hospital admissions and pressure on the NHS.

"Today, we support more patients and families than ever before.

"More people are also accessing our care earlier in their illness, helping improve quality of life and support for loved ones."

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During the Covid-19 pandemic, David supported the creation of the London Nightingale Hospital while working as chief of staff.

He began his career as a paramedic before holding several senior leadership roles across healthcare, consultancy and education.

David was inspired to become a clinician by his own personal experience after his father died from a brain tumour.

"I spent a lot of time alongside health and social care professionals who cared for my dad and supported our family," he said.

"That experience had a profound impact on me and made me want to give something back to the community that had been there for us.

Speaking about his new position, David said: "My priority is to honour what makes Katharine House Hospice so special: the care, compassion and trust at the heart of the charity.

"We have a proud 37-year history, built by our community, staff and volunteers, and I want to protect and strengthen that as we look to the future.

"My ambition is simple: to make sure everyone in our region who would benefit from palliative care can access it.

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"Nationally, demand for palliative care is expected to rise sharply over the coming years, so hospice care has never been more important."

Peter Catchpole, Chair of Trustees at the hospice, said: "David brings a wealth of clinical, operational and strategic leadership experience, alongside a deep understanding of our hospice and the communities we serve.

"He's already made a significant impact since joining Katharine House Hospice, and the Board is confident he will lead the charity with compassion, ambition and integrity as we move into our next chapter."