A long-serving head of care is stepping down after 18 years of service.
Chris Forster, head of Naomi House and Paediatric Services at Naomi House & Jacksplace in Sutton Scotney, joined the charity in 2008 as a clinical team leader and was promoted to her current role in 2016.
During her time with the organisation, Ms Forster spearheaded major changes, including the opening of Jacksplace for young adults aged 18 to 35, the introduction of on-site physiotherapists and palliative care consultants, and the establishment of community outreach services.
Chris said: "The care and support we provide today is so much more than when I first came to Naomi House. We offer an integrated, highly complex healthcare environment that meets the needs of both our children and their families, with a positive approach to support at end of life and in bereavement.
"Naomi House & Jackplace are always full of colour and smiles. Yes, there are tears, but there’s also much laughter as well. We help to make positive memories whenever we can.
"What that might look like will be different for every individual child and family, but we support everyone in the way that brings them the most comfort.
"It has been a privilege to be a small part of this, having the resources and facilities to provide what we as healthcare professionals advocate as truly holistic care."
A champion of children’s hospice care at No 10 Downing Street, Ms Forster has welcomed the Princess of Wales and The Duchess of Wessex and been part of a care management team that has seen Naomi House & Jacksplace’s care continuously rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.
Her dedication extended to fundraising, including a skydive and 10 26-mile Clarendon Way walks that raised more than £2,500.
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Mark Smith, chief executive of Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: "Chris has been instrumental in developing our services for 18 years. That’s meant implementing big changes and increasingly complex care for our children and young adults while also being able to be there for them and their families with ongoing support and kindness.
"It was Chris who saw us through the pandemic – one of our most challenging times.
"She has been completely dedicated to her work at Naomi House & Jacksplace and we wish her a very fond farewell.”
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