Hospice services should be “beacons of specialist, person-centred care”, a new director of patient care has announced as he starts his role.

St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood, which cares for people with life limiting and terminal illnesses, has been joined by Philip Ball, a special advisor to the Care Quality Commission as well as a former nurse and a manager in a variety of roles.

Joining following the departure of Beth Burton, Mr Ball said he believes enabling those in care to flourish even as their lives are coming to a close is at the heart of the role St Clare plays.

He said: “The challenges we face are about being ready to embrace opportunities, and recognising how transferable our specialist skills and knowledge are.

“In future, St Clare will be heading towards a bigger role in the wider community and we will need to continue our efforts to reach those who need support in places that are familiar and safe to them.”