New chief executive of Wirral’s Claire House Hospice gives exclusive interview

Jan 5 2011 by Liza Williams, Heswall News

THE new chief executive of Claire House children’s hospice has described it as a “magical place” as he outlined plans for the charity’s future.

In his first interview since the appointment at the Clatterbridge hospice, David Pastor said the centre benefited from unbelievably dedicated staff.

But the 36-year-old warned fundraising in the current economic climate would continue to be tough, after a difficult few years at the charity.

The father-of-two told the Wirral News: “It is a real privilege to be here.

“The level of care provided at Claire House is amazing, and I have been lucky enough to see what a difference it makes to children and families.

“I have been in post since November now, and I am settling in well.

“I have spent a lot of time meeting staff and volunteers so far, they are the most important part of this organisation.”

He said the biggest challenge he faces is funding, only 20% of which comes from the Government.

In 2010, the charity has met its running costs, unlike in 2008 when £800,000 had to be taken from reserve funds.

He said: “We have worked hard on our costs of the service. This year it will have cost in the region of £2.3m to support 157 children, young people and families.

“This year, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to cover the costs of our service, but it has been incredibly hard work to do so, and next year does not look any easier.”

In 2009, the charity feared it would have to cut staff. This was avoided, but some workers had to temporarily cut their hours.

No services were cut, but a new young people’s wing has not opened to full capacity, because there was not enough money.

Mr Pastor said: “It takes time to build up the level of sustainable funding that’s required to employ the nursing staff required.

“With support from the public, we will be able to achieve this in the future.

“The biggest challenge is keeping a hospice going, maintaining it.

“When a hospice is being built, people can see progress physically and feel like their money is going towards something tangible. But once that is all finished and the really important bit– the staff– need funding, it is not so obvious.”

In 2010, the charity received £300,000 in corporate donations – an increase from £200,000 in 2008, but still lower than the £450,000 received in 2007.

Mr Pastor said: “We would like to thank the companies that have supported Claire House in 2010.

“We understand times are tough for businesses, and really appreciate the time and funds they give to Claire House.”

“We acknowledge that it will continue to be an uphill struggle next year.”

Mr Pastor is now busy house hunting in Wirral, having previously worked at a children’s hospice in Oxfordshire.

He added: “My wife is from Bebington, so whenever we came to visit her family we passed Claire House, and I always hoped a job would come up, but never really thought it would.

“It is really nice to be close to her family now, and we are looking forward to finding a place.”