Lesley Fellows appointed Director of Care and Family Services

We’re delighted to share that Lesley Fellows (pictured on the right) has been appointed as our new Director of Care and Family Services, following Janet Sutherland-Oakes’ (pictured on the left) retirement in July.

Lesley joined Claire House in 2003 and has dedicated her career to supporting babies, children, and young adults with palliative and end-of-life care needs. With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for children’s palliative care, Lesley leads our care and family support teams with compassion, expertise, and a clear vision for the future.

Of course, we’ll all miss Jan, she’s been with Claire House since the very beginning and has led our clinical services with wisdom and compassion since 2012. We wish her a long, happy, and well-earned retirement.

Reflecting on her appointment, Lesley said: “I’m absolutely delighted to take on this role, especially at such an exciting time for our hospice. It’s been a privilege to be part of Claire House for two decades, playing a small part in the lives of so many amazing children and families.

“I know I have big shoes to fill following Jan, but I’ve learned so much from her over the years. With the incredible team around me, I’m confident we’ll continue to provide the outstanding care we’re known for."

Lesley set up our community services in 2007—formerly known as Hospice to Home—which has grown into a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary service offering specialist palliative and end of life care in the hospice, at home, or in hospital. As a Nurse Consultant for over a decade and the first nurse appointed to the Executive Committee of the Association of Paediatric Palliative Medicine, Lesley continues to advocate nationally for the vital role of nurses in paediatric palliative care.

Lesley is also passionate about improving compassionate communication in healthcare and became an accredited Advanced Communication Skills Facilitator in 2023, delivering training across the Northwest Palliative Care Network.