In a step away from traditional structure, the charity is consolidating its leadership with the appointment of two co-Chief Executives. 

Kate Heslegrave, current Chief Finance and Operating Officer, and Dr Karen Chumbley, current Chief Clinical Officer, will take up their roles from 26th August for a period of six months.

Commenting on her new appointment, Ms Heslegrave said:

“I am beyond thrilled to step into the co-CEO role alongside Karen. 

“I first came to know St Helena Hospice after my mum died under its care in 2019, and the care and support that she and our family were given by the Hospice team as well as SinglePoint, was just incredible.

“Having been part of St Helena since then, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead the incredible team that we have built and to continue to grow the outstanding service that we provide to the people of north east Essex.”  

Dr Karen Chumbley has a clinical career of more than 30 years and is a practicing GP and a leader in end of life care. She has worked for St Helena for the last 10 years in various roles including Clinical Director, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Clinical Officer. 

She has a special research interest in the early identification of end of life care, and end of life care for people who are frail and elderly.

Dr Chumbley said:

“St Helena Hospice is what’s in my heart. 

“I have worked to improve end of life care in north east Essex throughout the last two decades and St Helena is an exemplar of that, and I celebrate what it achieves.

“I've seen St Helena offer care for friends, for neighbours and for my own family. We had a recent bereavement in my family and the compassionate care that our teams delivered was absolutely transformative for her care, and her end of life experience, not just for her but also for the rest of the family.”