Chief executive will leave post next year

Marie Curie’s chief executive has announced she is stepping down.

Jane Collins, who took the post in 2012, said it was always her intention to leave after five years. She will step down in spring 2019.

Having previously been chief executive of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for Children and the chief executive of the GOSH Children’s Charity simultaneously for 11 years, Collins said the time was right to leave.

Addressing staff, Collins said: "During my time at Marie Curie I have been impressed and humbled by the incredible work that you do. I am also very proud of our progress.

"We have directly supported more people and changed the lives of even more by influencing governments and health and social care decision-makers on the importance of quality end-of-life care.

"Thanks to the incredible work of our fundraising teams, we have also managed to get out of deficit.

"I am confident that we are in a great place and now is the right time for me to step down."

A Marie Curie spokesman said: "Dr Collins had always intended to be at Marie Curie for five years. She has stayed longer to make sure the charity is in the best possible position.”

"She has worked full time since she qualified and, before she retires, she wants to have time to concentrate on some specific areas of interest part time."