With the imminent retirement of Helen Simpson, ACCORD Hospice has appointed a new CEO.

ACCORD Hospice has been under the leadership of Helen Simpson for 18 years, during which the Hospice’s services have grown and evolved, the increasing complexities of patients life-limiting illnesses have been looked after, and the charity’s finances are in a healthy position.

Jacki Smart will now take the helm in March 2020. Working in various clinical and healthcare arena’s since qualifying as a Nurse in 1990, Jackie started her career focusing on critical care, moving into quality improvement with further work with the Scottish Health Council.

More recently, Jacki for the last five years was the General Manager for Surgical Services for the Clyde sector of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Jacki said – ’I am a passionate advocate for ensuring the people in the local community are at the centre of their care, which led me to come on board at ACCORD Hospice as a trustee which has been a fantastic experience for the last 18 months.

I have come to realise the exceptional quality of care delivered in the Hospice and the love, attention and passion that they bring to work each day to support patients and their families.

The reach of the organisation is huge within the community and the impact it has on people’s lives is truly humbling.

I am looking forward to working with the team to maintain the excellence in care already being delivered and to support and develop end of life care in response to the complex needs of the community. I can’t wait to get out and meet our volunteers, supporters and staff – without them the Hospice wouldn’t be able to provide the care the community deserves.

I would also like to thank Helen for trusting me with ACCORD and for leaving it in such a positive position for me to start my role of CEO. On behalf of the board, I would like to wish Helen a healthy and happy retirement.”