Dorothy House Hospice Care’s retiring chief executive has visited some of the charity’s patients as part of Nation-al Hospice Care Week.

Sarah Whitfield, 62, will leave her job of 15 years with the Winsley-based hospice next Friday.

Liz Brown, from the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, is taking over the role.

During her time with Dorothy House, a charity offering care to patients and their families facing life-threatening illness, Mrs Whitfield has overseen the introduction of a children and young people’s service, specialist bereavement groups and an outreach service.

She said: “To spend the last 15 years at Dorothy House has been very special. Caring for patients in the last phase of their lives and supporting their families and friends is a great privilege.

“I shall leave with many happy memories of those I have met and our fantastic staff and volunteers who often go the extra mile in raising funds for our services.”

This week, Mrs Whit-field and Dorothy House’s outreach, fundraising and physiotherapy teams have been visiting some of the charity’s shops.

Mrs Whitfield also visited Dorothy House’s patients on Wednesday.

She said: “I’m very pleased that Hospice Care Week has happened during my penultimate week before retiring, as it has given me a chance to speak to members of the public about Dorothy House and the services we provide and also see the services first hand.”

Ms Brown, who has worked in the media and the public sector, said: “Dorothy House has a superb reputation. I am very excited to have the opportunity to make my contribution to the team.”

The outreach team will be at the charity’s Melksham furniture shop, in Church Street, from 10am-noon today.

For more, visit www.

dorothyhouse.co.uk or call 01225 722988.