THE CEO of The Myton Hospices has thanked communities for their unwavering and on-going support as she marks a decade at the helm.
Over the past ten years, Ruth Freeman has ensured people living with a life-limiting illness across Coventry and Warwickshire have received the very best palliative and end of life care.
During her tenure as CEO, almost 13,000 patients and their families have been supported by Myton’s teams across their three hospices in Warwick, Rugby and Coventry and in the community.
Ruth’s time as CEO has been defined by a commitment to meeting the changing needs of the communities the charity serves. Under her leadership, The Myton Hospices has introduced a number of nationally recognised initiatives and developed a range of new and existing services.
Ruth said: “It’s hard to believe that I have been CEO at Myton for ten years, the time has literally flown by. It’s not surprising when you consider all of the wonderful opportunities the role has given me, not least to meet so many amazing people and to work alongside a team of committed staff, volunteers and supporters all dedicated to going the extra mile for patients and their families.
“Of course, there have been challenges along the way – Covid what a resilience test that was, but I look back with pride when I remember how the whole Myton family and thousands of people and organisations across Coventry and Warwickshire pulled together to ensure Myton could continue providing vital services to those who needed them most.
“Currently our biggest challenge and one affecting the whole hospice sector is the lack of government funding, and we, alongside our hospice colleagues from across the UK are fighting for funding reform to ensure the sustainability of vital Palliative and End of Life care services for everyone.
“Fortunately, unlike many hospices we have not yet had to cut services, this is due to a lot of hard work by our Income Generation teams but also because of the unwavering support of our local communities and I cannot thank them enough for the difference they have enabled us to make and continue to make to thousands of people each year.
“The biggest privilege of course for me is meeting so many inspirational patients and their families – the courage, love and even humour they show throughout the greatest of adversity is truly moving.”
