THE chief executive of Farleigh Hospice has retired after 15 years in charge.

Janet Doghan stood down last week after helping to oversee the charity’s growth from a small organisation to one that helps more than 4,500 people a year.

During her time in charge it moved into a new purpose-built building in North Court Road, and introduced a range of new services.

The hospice’s chairman Keith Andrew said: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Janet for all of the 15 years she’s been in post.

“What’s always come across to me is her passion, dedication and commitment.

“When we consider the range of hospice services now provided to the people of Mid Essex, we should all be very proud and thankful that we have had such a committed chief executive, who’s driven this expansion, but never compromised the quality of care for patients and their families.

“We’re both very grateful and proud to have had Janet as our chief executive, and I hope she is proud of what she has achieved as we are of her.”

The hospice’s president, Alan Sayles, added: “I was glad she was appointed and the appointment has borne much fruit in the tremendous progress which Farleigh Hospice has made during her time of service.”

New chief executive Alison Stevens has taken over, having joined from Dorothy House Hospice, near Bath.

For more information about the charity, visit www.farleighhospice.org