Hospice UK Chair Paul Jennings visited Warwick Myton Hospice in June to observe front-line palliative and end of life care and to discuss the challenges and innovations shaping local hospice services. The visit follows his earlier trip to Coventry Myton Hospice and formed part of a wider look at how The Myton Hospices are responding to growing need in the area.
Purpose of the visit and local discussions
During his time at the hospice Paul Jennings met with senior leaders and clinical staff to learn about the charity’s model of compassionate, holistic care for people living with life-limiting illness and the support offered to their families. Present at the meeting were Sarah Faulkner, Chair of Trustees; Ruth Freeman, CEO of The Myton Hospices; and Jodie Morris, Director of Patient & Family Services, together with members of the charity’s clinical and medical teams.
Community and business links highlighted
Around the visit to Warwick Myton Hospice, Paul Jennings also spent time at 1 Mill Street in Leamington Spa where he met Nigel Shanahan, founder of 1 Mill Street. The social impact arm of the venue, Make Good Grow, links skilled volunteers with local charities and has helped Myton build relationships with the business and entrepreneurial community.
- Workforce and care: Leaders discussed clinical practice and family support provided at the hospice.
- Rising demand: Trustees and executives outlined pressures on hospice services and ways Myton is adapting.
- Local partnerships: The role of 1 Mill Street and Make Good Grow in connecting the hospice with skilled volunteers and businesses was emphasised.
“We were delighted to welcome Paul back to our Hospice to discuss the increasing demand for hospice services, the challenges facing the sector, and the innovative ways Myton is adapting to meet the changing needs of patients and their families,”
The hospice's chief executive reiterated the value of collaboration, noting that the relationship with 1 Mill Street is an example of how local businesses and community groups can strengthen support for hospice care. The chair of Hospice UK described the visit as an opportunity to witness the care provided and to learn about how the charity engages the local business community.
| Attendees | Role |
|---|---|
| Paul Jennings | Hospice UK Chair |
| Sarah Faulkner | Chair of Trustees, Myton |
| Ruth Freeman | CEO, The Myton Hospices |
| Jodie Morris | Director of Patient & Family Services |
| Nigel Shanahan | Founder, 1 Mill Street |
For Warwick residents, the visit underlines the importance of local hospice provision and the partnerships that help sustain it. As demand for palliative services rises across Coventry and Warwickshire, Myton's emphasis on collaboration with businesses and volunteers will be central to maintaining care for patients and families when they need it most.
