Hospice
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Appointed as Chair during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic after joining the board in 2016, she has shown steadfast support and a true passion for St Oswald’s Hospice throughout her time with us.
Proud moments
During her time as Chair of Trustees, Christine has seen tremendous growth in the hospice’s engagement with the community, which aligns with a key part of our new strategy.
She said: “We’re excited to be working more closely with the community. Our Children and Young Adults Outreach Service is allowing us to reach more children and young adults who need our care.
“Our nurses and support workers can deliver specialist care packages to a child or young adult in the home environment, as well as fun and appropriate activities. The team can also facilitate trips away from the home and provide support to families.”
Christine also highlighted the important work of Davina, our Spiritual Care Lead, who is widening access to our Focus on Living Centre.
“This project is making a difference in postcodes like Elswick (NE4) and Byker (NE6), which are among the most underserved communities in the UK,” she said. “People here face serious health challenges, where life expectancy is much lower than in more affluent communities.
“We’re reshaping perceptions to show that hospices are more than places for end-of-life care – they’re places for meaningful, supportive living.”
Overcoming challenges
Christine’s tenure was not without its challenges: “It’s been an incredible journey, especially considering I took over as Chair during the Covid-19 pandemic, when we had to shift into survival mode. But like challenges in life, you adapt, and you get stronger – and that’s what we did.”
Christine’s leadership was instrumental during those trying times, which saw some services turned upside down. Her commitment to innovation and teamwork allowed the hospice to navigate the unprecedented challenges effectively.
She said: “I was truly amazed by how everyone across all teams in the hospice pulled together during those challenging times, demonstrating just how resilient and dedicated they are.
“It was especially rewarding to see this commitment recognised, as our Lymphoedema Service and Focus on Living Centre won the ‘Innovation Champion Team Award’ at the Bright Ideas in Health Awards 2023.
“This award celebrated the extraordinary collaboration between these teams, who went above and beyond to ensure that no patient was left behind during the pandemic.”
A passion for research
Christine has a special interest in research and is a leader and innovator in the field of children, young people and family nursing. Her last full-time role was as Subject Head, Nursing, Midwifery and Health at Northumbria University.
So, when she was asked to get involved in a research project that Sister Diane Nicholson was delivering, looking at how Augmentative and Alternative Communication Techniques can enhance the care of children and young adults at the hospice – Christine eagerly jumped at the chance!
“It’s really exciting to be in the dissemination phase of this project now,” Christine shared. “Diane delivered a webinar in October to the International Family Nursing Association, and she had participants from the United States and Ireland!”
“It’s fantastic to see these messages reaching such a wide audience – this work is so important.”
A lasting legacy
“It’s been an honour and a privilege to be involved at St Oswald’s Hospice. The devotion of the staff and volunteers is inspirational, to say the least.
“Even though I’m stepping down from the board, I would like to stay connected with the research developments in the future as a volunteer.
The Hospice can’t shake me yet – although my husband is looking forward to doing some travelling with me!” Christine added, with a cheeky smile.
Thanks for all your hard work, kindness and dedication Christine.
As we bid farewell to Christine, we are excited to welcome current Vice Chair, Steve James, as our new Chair of Trustees. Steve said: “I’m honoured to take on this role and continue the important work of supporting our patients and their families, staff and volunteers.”
Over the last 20 years, Steve has worked as a HR consultant leading on change programmes for central government, local authorities and not-for-profit organisations.
Reflecting on Christine’s impact, he shared, “I believe she’s done an outstanding job as Chair, particularly given the challenges brought by Covid-19.
“Christine’s unwavering commitment to research and her exceptional leadership have been invaluable. Her expertise and dedication guided us through the immense challenges of the pandemic, helping us emerge resilient and focused.
“Her knowledge and insight will be greatly missed, but her lasting impact on St Oswald’s Hospice will continue to shape our future.”
Looking forward
“Our new strategy extends through 2027, aligning with my tenure as Chair, and I see this as a central focus for my role.
“It will be essential to identify where our strategic efforts are yielding positive outcomes. For instance, how is our research progressing, and how are we reaching communities that might not typically engage with us?
“By 2027, I hope we’ll be able to point to tangible achievements and say, ‘Yes, this is what we’ve accomplished.’
“My aim will be to ensure that, through strong partnerships and collaboration, we’re collectively delivering on the objectives we’ve set for ourselves.”
Young Adults Accommodation Steering Group
Steve’s commitment to making a real difference shines through in his role as Chair of our Young Adults Accommodation Steering Group. His journey with the group started with a simple but memorable visit:
“In the middle of Covid-19, I visited the Children and Young Adults Service and met Dylan, one of the young adults who comes to us for short breaks. His energy and positivity were infectious – it was just so uplifting to be around him.”
During that visit, Steve asked Dylan what he thought about the service and if there was anything we could do better:
“Dylan was really positive about the support he gets here, but he had one small suggestion – the Wi-Fi wasn’t great! So, we made sure to get it fixed because, for him, it made a real difference to his stay with us.”
With a smile, Steve reflects on how creating the right environment might just be in his DNA:
“I come from a family of builders, so I guess you could say improving things runs in my blood,” he jokes. “But for me, it’s less about bricks and mortar and more about building a place where young adults like Dylan feel truly at home. That’s what the Young Adults Accommodation is all about.”
“That first conversation with Dylan really inspired me to get involved with the young adults in a meaningful way. It’s amazing to see the progress now, especially when I think back to how it all looked as a Lego model!”
We’re excited to have you on board Steve!
A message of thanks
Steph Edusei, our Chief Executive, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to both Christine and Steve:
“I can’t express enough how grateful we are to Dr Christine for her incredible dedication as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Since 2020, her support and guidance have been a true lifeline for the hospice, especially during the pandemic when our clinical and income generation operations faced significant challenges. Her leadership and compassion have been instrumental in helping us navigate those difficult times.
“Additionally, her commitment to advancing our research initiatives has been invaluable, ensuring we continue to provide the best possible care and support for our patients and their families.”
“As we welcome Steve as our new Chair, I’m excited about the fresh perspectives and leadership he will bring. His extensive experience and commitment to our vision will undoubtedly help us continue to thrive and support our patients and their families.
“Together, Christine and Steve have laid a strong foundation for the future of St Oswald’s Hospice, and we are deeply thankful for their dedication and impact on our community.”
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