New boss at borough hospice settling into chief executive role

Jo Carby has begun her work in the top job at the charity following the retirement of Dr Alan Baron.

Prior to starting her new role on April 1 Ms Carby had been clinical director at the Hindley-based hospice since 2015.

She was selected to succeed Dr Baron, who retired on March 31 after a 20-year stint with WLH which saw him become chief executive in 2012.

A mum of two, Ms Carby was educated in nursing studies at the University of Edinburgh before beginning her career at Western General Hospital where she worked in the oncology and haematology departments as a staff nurse.

She then worked for a couple of years in the city of Ekaterinburg, Russia, as a Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) volunteer supporting the development of palliative and cancer care services.

Her career in hospices began at St Christopher’s Hospice in London before a period as a community hospice nurse specialist at St Catherine’s Hospice in Preston. Ms Carby came to WLH in 2006.

She said: “It is with honour and humility that I take these first steps into my role as CEO of Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

“I have worked for this incredible organisation for 14 years now.

“As clinical director I worked particularly closely with Alan, building on the hospice vision that all people living in our borough with palliative or end-of-life care needs, and those people important to them, will receive the support they need at this difficult time in their lives.

“This can only be achieved through collaboration with our NHS and social care colleagues, and of course the people of Wigan and Leigh.

“This year has been incredibly challenging, both in terms of how we adapt our services to continue to support people in a safe and effective way as well as how we continue to generate income under national restrictions.

“I want to thank Alan for his leadership and wisdom over the years and for postponing his retirement when the pandemic hit our shores.

“We will truly miss him but we will be forever grateful for this fabulous legacy that is Wigan and Leigh Hospice.”

Vicki McLoughlin has also joined the hospice as the new clinical director.

She arrives from Salford Royal where she worked for several years at a senior level with the palliative care teams in the acute, community and care home settings.

She has worked in palliative care for over 20 years in hospitals and hospices both in the UK and abroad.

She said: “I feel very honoured to be the new clinical director and want to share my experiences, learn from the teams and help them to continue delivering the high standard of palliative care the residents of Wigan and Leigh expect and deserve.”

Dr Baron said: “It has been a privilege to work at the hospice, to be given the opportunity to meet patients and their relatives and to be a part of such a dedicated and compassionate team.

“The last year alone has demonstrated the sheer resilience of our staff and volunteers and it has been humbling to see how they have faced the challenges.

“I wish Jo and Vicki all the very best in their new roles.”

If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers.