CEO to step down following four years of transformation and improvement
Garden House Hospice Care has announced that our Chief Executive, Lisa Hunt, will step down in March 2027 after four years of leadership that have delivered significant transformation across the organisation and established stronger foundations for the future.
Since joining our Hospice, Lisa has led a period of substantial organisational improvement, guiding our charity through a challenging operating environment while developing services, improving financial sustainability and helping position our Hospice to meet the growing needs of our communities.
Under her leadership, our Hospice has strengthened financial management and governance, improved operational efficiency, enhanced organisational culture and staff engagement, and increased our focus on long-term sustainability.
One of the most significant developments during Lisa's tenure has been the introduction of our Hospice's innovative Advancing Illness and Frailty Service. This pioneering model has extended access to specialist hospice support for people living with complex long-term conditions and increasing frailty, positioning Garden House Hospice Care as a recognised leader in this area of care.
A key part of our Hospice's progress has been the strengthening of strategic partnerships across healthcare, local communities and the voluntary sector. These relationships, together with the continued generosity of supporters, volunteers and fundraisers, have helped improve financial sustainability, extend our Hospice's reach and ensure more people can benefit from our services.
Today, Garden House Hospice Care is a stronger, more resilient organisation with a clear strategic direction, an increasingly sustainable operating model and an ambitious vision for the future. our Hospice is well positioned to build on the progress achieved in recent years, respond to growing demand and continue delivering high-quality care and support for local people and their families.
Lisa Hunt said:
"It has been an enormous privilege to lead Garden House Hospice Care over the past four years. Together we have delivered significant change while remaining focused on what matters most: providing outstanding care and support for patients and families.
"I am incredibly proud of what our staff, volunteers and supporters have achieved. Their dedication, compassion and resilience have enabled our Hospice to strengthen our services, improve how we work and build a stronger foundation for the future.
"After 47 years working in healthcare, I believe this is the right time to pass the baton to new leadership. Garden House Hospice Care has a talented team, a clear strategic direction and a vital role within our community, and I am confident the organisation will continue to thrive in the years ahead.
"I remain fully committed to the months ahead and to ensuring a smooth and successful transition."
Richard Deardon, Chair of Trustees at Garden House Hospice Care, said:
"Lisa has made an exceptional contribution to Garden House Hospice Care during her time as Chief Executive.
"Her leadership has helped the organisation navigate significant challenges while delivering meaningful improvements across our services, finances and operations. Through her strategic leadership, Garden House Hospice Care is now a stronger, more sustainable organisation with a clear direction for the future.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank Lisa for her dedication, professionalism and commitment to our Hospice, our patients and their families. She leaves a lasting legacy, and we wish her every success for the future."
The Board of Trustees has commenced recruitment for Lisa's successor. Lisa will remain in post until the end of March 2027, ensuring continuity of leadership and supporting a smooth transition.
Garden House Hospice Care remains committed to building on the progress achieved over recent years, continuing to develop our services and providing compassionate, specialist palliative and end-of-life care to patients and families across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Lisa Hunt leaving Garden House Hospice Care?
After 47 years working in healthcare, including four years as Chief Executive of Garden House Hospice Care, Lisa has decided that the time is right to move into semi-retirement.
Lisa is incredibly proud of what the Hospice has achieved during her leadership and feels confident that the organisation is well placed to build on this progress under new leadership.
When will Lisa be leaving?
Lisa will remain as Chief Executive until the end of March 2027. This provides time for the recruitment of her successor and a smooth transition.
Has a new Chief Executive been appointed?
The Board of Trustees has commenced the recruitment process to appoint Lisa's successor.
The Board is committed to finding the right person to build on the organisation's progress and lead Garden House Hospice Care through its next chapter. Further information will be shared when an appointment has been made.
Will the departure of the Chief Executive affect the running of the Hospice?
No disruption to the delivery of services is anticipated as a result of Lisa's departure.
Garden House Hospice Care has an experienced Executive Team, supported by a dedicated workforce and Board of Trustees. Lisa will continue to lead the organisation until March 2027 and work closely with Dr Sarah Bell, Deputy CEO & Medical Director and all colleagues to ensure a smooth handover.
What does this mean for the future of Garden House Hospice Care?
Garden House Hospice Care remains committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care and support to local people and their families.
Over recent years, the Hospice has made significant progress in strengthening its services, improving financial management and building valuable partnerships across the health and care sector.
The appointment of a new Chief Executive will provide an opportunity to build on these strong foundations, continue developing our services and ensure we are meeting the changing needs of our community.
Our focus remains firmly on delivering excellent care and securing a positive, sustainable future for Garden House Hospice Care.
Is Garden House Hospice Care financially secure?
Like many hospices across the country, Garden House Hospice Care continues to operate in a challenging financial environment, with increasing demand for services and rising costs.
Over the past four years, the organisation has taken important steps to strengthen its financial position through careful financial management, changes to its operating model, strong fundraising performance and closer working with NHS partners.
While financial sustainability remains an ongoing priority, the Hospice has made encouraging progress and is focused on ensuring its services remain sustainable for the future.
Will there be any further changes to hospice services?
Our priority remains to ensure that local people can access the care and support they need, when they need it most.
Garden House Hospice Care continues to review and develop its services in response to the changing needs of its communities, particularly the increasing number of people living with complex, long-term conditions, advancing illness and increasing frailty.
There are no service changes being announced as part of Lisa's departure.
Will the Hospice continue to develop its Advancing Illness and Frailty services?
Yes. The development of our Advancing Illness and Frailty Service has been one of the most significant achievements of recent years.
The innovative service has helped extend hospice support beyond traditional models of palliative and end-of-life care, reaching more people living with complex, long-term conditions and increasing frailty.
This remains an important part of our strategic direction, and we are continuing to develop how our services work together to support patients earlier and more effectively.
Will Garden House Hospice Care still need to fundraise?
Absolutely. The generosity of our local community remains essential to the future of Garden House Hospice Care.
Although our partnership with the NHS has strengthened, charitable donations, fundraising and volunteering continue to play a vital role in funding the care and support we provide.
The need for our services continues to grow, and the support of our community will be just as important in the years ahead.
Does Lisa's departure affect the Hospice's relationship with NHS partners?
No. Garden House Hospice Care has developed strong relationships with NHS commissioners and healthcare partners, and these partnerships remain central to our future.
We will continue working collaboratively to ensure local people can access high-quality palliative and end-of-life care, alongside our innovative services for people living with advancing illness and frailty.
Will existing fundraising activities and events continue?
Yes. Our fundraising activities, community events and appeals remain an important part of hospice life.
From the Farmers on Christmas Lights Tour and Lights of Life to community fundraising and our seasonal appeals, these activities bring people together and raise vital funds for local care.
Our Fundraising and Marketing teams will continue working with supporters, businesses and volunteers to deliver an exciting programme of activities.
Will existing donations and funding commitments still be honoured?
Yes. All donations and funding commitments will continue to be managed in line with their intended purpose and the Hospice's established financial and governance processes.
The departure of the Chief Executive does not change our commitment to donors, supporters or funding partners.
What happens next?
The Board of Trustees will continue the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive, with further updates shared at the appropriate time.
In the meantime, it remains business as usual at Garden House Hospice Care. Our teams will continue providing compassionate care and support, delivering our fundraising activities and developing the partnerships that will help secure the Hospice's future.
Our focus remains firmly on the people and families who need us, both now and in the years ahead.