The Ayrshire Hospice Board is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chair - Professor Tom Steele from Ayr, South Ayrshire. Tom takes over from John Corrigan QPM who retires following the successful completion of his Trustee tenure.

Tracy Flynn, Chief Executive (L) with new Chair, Tom Steele (R).

Tom has been a Board member since 2016 serving on the full Board, contributing to all aspects of Hospice business as well as chairing the Capital Project Governance Committee. Tom brings his expertise from a career that has spanned over 35 years in managing complex healthcare built environments and is a perfect strategic fit for Chair at a time when the Ayrshire Hospice is set to begin construction on a multi-million pound redevelopment of its traditional home in Racecourse Road, Ayr.

Reacting to his appointment, Tom said: "I am truly honoured by the opportunity to take up the role of Chair of the Ayrshire Hospice Board. When I first became a Board member it was with a drive to keep the Hospice self-sustaining, but also to plan for the future infrastructure needs.

To be able to be part of the team delivering our new Hospice with 21st century infrastructure and healthcare facilities is the perfect case of the right place at the right time. I am really excited to be part of creating the legacy for the future Ayrshire Hospice."

Tracy Flynn, Chief Executive of the Ayrshire Hospice commented: "I am delighted that Professor Tom Steele has been elected as Chair of the Board. I am confident that he, together with the rest of the Board, will continue to work to provide a clear vision ensuring governance and to work with myself and my team to set the appropriate strategic direction for the Hospice in the years ahead. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Board members for this continued commitment to the Hospice and look forward, along with the Executive Leadership Team, to working together to deliver a new Hospice truly fit for the communities across Ayrshire and Arran."

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Chair, John Corrigan QPM for the invaluable contribution he has made to the Ayrshire Hospice since becoming a Board member in 2012 and serving as our Chair since 2017. We all wish him well for a very happy and well-deserved retirement with his family."

In addition to Professor Steele's appointment, 2022 also sees the completion of tenure for Jean Clarke, the longest serving Ayrshire Hospice Trustee to date. Since being appointed to the Hospice Board in 2008 Jean has used her passion for the Hospice and professional expertise to be a key source of support for the organisation and in particular, new Trustees. In order to secure resilience and in acknowledgment of Jean's contribution, the Board of Trustees is delighted to announce that Jean has accepted the post of Emeritus Trustee. Commenting on the appointment, Jean said "I am humbled and honoured to be able to continue to support the Ayrshire Hospice in such a practical way."

Jean Clarke to become Emeritus Trustee.