NHS safeguarding director takes up new hospice role

A nurse with vast experience in NHS leadership has been appointed to a senior position at a hospice for children in the north of England.

Professor Catherine Randall, who has held senior nursing positions at multiple NHS organisations including NHS England, has been made director of clinical services at Derian House Children’s Hospice.

The Queen's Nurse said she was “over the moon” and “privileged” to be appointed to the position, and recalled the hospice, in Chorley, Lancashire, first opening 30 years ago when she was a junior nurse.

"I always aspired that one day I would like to work for this incredible charity"

- Catherine Randall

Professor Randall, who grew up in nearby Withnell, will now oversee the clinical team at the hospice which looks after around 400 babies, children and young people with life-limiting illnesses.

She has moved to the hospice from her role of associate director of safeguarding at NHS England, which she held for six years.

Her nursing career spanning 37 years so far has seen her become an honorary professor at the University of Central Lancashire.

She has also previously held leadership positions at East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Trafford CCG, and NHS Central Lancashire.

Alongside her new role at Derian House, Professor Randall was also recently made non-executive clinical director at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

“I am over the moon to accept this very important and privileged role as director of clinical services at Derian House,” said Professor Randall.

“I remember the hospice opening 30 years ago when I was a junior nurse. I always aspired that one day I would like to work for this incredible charity and so this role feels like a dream come true.

“Every child is paramount and my drive and motivation is to make every day special for our children and their families. I believe I can make a difference and ensure that they live their lives to their full potential.”

Karen Edwards, chief executive of Derian House, said: “We are delighted to welcome Catherine to Derian House.

"She will bring a wealth of skills, experience and passion for improving the lives of children and young people within the field of healthcare.

“We are confident that she will continue to take us on our journey to be the number one specialist provider of children’s palliative care throughout Lancashire, South Cumbria and Greater Manchester.”

As well as her role in overseeing care at the hospice, Professor Randall will be partly responsible for working with NHS commissioners to bring grant funding in.

According to Derian House, the hospice needs around £6m to run and only gets a small proportion from central government.

Professor Randall’s appointment comes ahead of the retirement of Lynn Grayson, who currently holds the position.

Ms Grayson has worked in children’s nursing for 38 years, and will retire in November, a hospice spokesperson said.