Dorothy House Hospice Care has welcomed its new chief executive in the same week it gained re-accreditation for its Investing in Volunteers status.

Liz Brown started her new role, replacing the outgoing Sarah Whitfield, last Monday and was with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association. She said she is determined to maintain the good work of the charity, which offers a range of services to patients with life threatening illness and their families.

And feels Dorothy House, based at Winsley, already has a great team in place. Mrs Brown, of Collingbourne Ducis, said: “It has been absolutely fantastic so far and I have been given some wonderful support. “We have a great foundation to build on thanks to Sarah’s leadership.

“I’m very keen to continue our work in the community – we opened our new outreach centre in Trowbridge recently and I’m excited about our one in Peasedown St John opening soon.”

Last week, the UK Quality Standard renewed Dorothy House’s Investing in Volunteers status, which acknowledges good practice in volunteer management.

The charity first achieved the award in 2006, then again in 2009.

Mrs Whitfield, who has been with the charity for 15 years, said that it was a fitting achievement for her to sign off with. Mrs Whitfield, 62, who left Dorothy House last Friday, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to find this out on my final week.

“The award shows how much we pride ourselves on supporting our fine volunteers.

“As I’m actually retiring, rather than moving elsewhere, it has been great to be here for the handover and I wish Liz the best of luck working for this very special organisation.” Mrs Brown said she is very keen to meet with patients and families as she gains experience in her new position. She said: “There’s always a great need for us to ensure we listen to those we support and to be as creative as possible reaching out to them and their families.” For more information about the charity, visit www.dorothyhouse.co.uk or call (01225) 721478.