Heather Richardson served as Chief Executive and previously Joint Chief Executive of St Christopher’s. We are delighted to announce our former Chief Executive Heather Richardson has been awarded an MBE in the Kings’ Birthday Honour List.
Richardson, a registered general and mental health nurse who has worked in hospice care since 1989, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for “services to nursing and palliative care.”
On her award, she said: “I am absolutely delighted both personally, and for the recognition for the many people who have worked alongside me to achieve this.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to those who have nominated me. It has given me a spring in my step and reinforced my passion for palliative nursing and the difference we can make, not only to for patients and those close to them, but also for broader systems of healthcare and society as a whole.
“I’ve had a wonderful career with incredible opportunities and have been fortunate to have great mentorship, education and support of colleagues.
Working with other inspiring nurses has taught me so much. I’ve learnt the value of relational engagement with patients, families and carers, and of goal-focused, risk-confident care. I have also seen time and time again the value of learning from mistakes and in the face of adversity.
“As I look forward, I want this next phase to help build the next generation of nurses and leaders in palliative care. We can do this by creating opportunities for them to learn, connect and prove and communicate their value.”
Richardson served as Chief Executive and previously Joint Chief Executive of St Christopher’s for a combined period of eight years until 2021. Most recently, she has been advising St Christopher’s Centre for Awareness and Response to End of Life (CARE) as an academic lead and senior consultant.
Prior to joining St Christopher’s, Richardson held the role of National Clinical Lead for Hospice UK, and worked as Clinical Director, then Strategy Advisor to St. Joseph’s Hospice in East London.
Richardson has a PhD, her research concerned with users’ experience of day hospice. She has developed a research interest around public health and end of life care and is involved in global programmes of learning for palliative care leaders. She has previously served as an honorary professor in palliative care at Lancaster University and as a Senior Research Fellow for Harris Manchester College in Oxford.
Jan Noble, Interim Chief Executive at St Christopher’s, says: “Everyone at St Christopher’s is delighted for Heather in receiving this well-deserved honour.
“Heather’s dedication, vision, and compassion have shaped not only St Christopher’s but also the wider field of palliative care, both nationally and internationally.
“I know that her leadership as former Chief Executive and her ongoing work for the hospice have inspired countless colleagues and transformed the experience of people at the end of life both here in South London and across the globe.
“On behalf of St Christopher’s, I offer Heather our warmest congratulations.”
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