St Catherine's Hospice has announced the appointment of Natalie Blunt as its next Chief Executive, succeeding Giles Tomsett, who is retiring after 13 years of dedicated leadership at the charity. 

Natalie is a passionate healthcare leader with more than 20 years' experience working across the NHS, charity and social enterprise. She will join St Catherine's from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), where she is currently Chief Operating Officer.

Natalie’s career has combined senior operational and strategic leadership with a strong commitment to compassionate, person-centred care, developing strong partnerships, and guiding organisations through complex change. 

 Natalie is dedicated to improving health equity, and ensuring that the voices and experiences of patients, families and communities help shape the care they receive.

St Catherine’s Chair of Trustees Philip Ingleby said: “Following a robust and unanimous recruitment process, I am delighted that Natalie Blunt has been appointed to lead St Catherine’s into its next chapter.

“Natalie is an outstanding fit for the charity and for our future strategic vision, building on the strong foundations established by Giles during his leadership over the past 13 years. 

"Natalie’s leadership will bring fresh energy and perspectives and her specialist knowledge and experience will help us continue to evolve as an organisation to ensure we keep meeting the needs of local people and their families throughout West Sussex and East Surrey.”

Natalie said: “I am delighted to be joining St. Catherine's, having been drawn to the organisation by its purpose and deep commitment to making a real difference to people at some of the most important moments in their lives. 

“St Catherine's has such a strong reputation and an extraordinary community of support. I would like to recognise the incredible contribution of Giles, who has led St Catherine's so well for many years. l look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside the whole St Catherine's community to ensure that this vital organisation remains strong and sustainable into the future, and centred on what matters.”   

Natalie will officially commence her role at the hospice on Tuesday 5 January following an extensive handover with Giles from 17 November. 

For more information about St Catherine’s or to make a donation, visit stch.org.uk.