Physiotherapist Stuart Palma is ‘thrilled’ to be taking over the reins at Southern Hospice Group – a charity based in Sussex that has been created over the past year following the merger of several hospice care organisations.

The merger, which is nearly complete, will see St Barnabas Hospices (incorporating St Barnabas House in Worthing and Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice in Arundel) joining up with Martlets, which is based in in Hove.

Stuart, who starts his new job at chief executive in April, has an impressive track record both locally and nationally. His CV lists spells as a professional adviser with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and as an honorary innovation fellow with NHS England, where he went on to become national head of allied health professions (AHPs), professional and systems leadership. More recently, he has worked as chief AHP officer and director of all-age continuing care at NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board.

‘Exciting time’

Stuart said: ‘It’s a very exciting time to be joining the charity. Having previously been a trustee for St Barnabas Hospices [a position he held since 2019], I have seen first-hand the essential work that the hospices do for adults, children, young people and their families across Sussex and south-east Hampshire and I’m thrilled to be part of that.’

Stuart, who graduated in physiotherapy at the University of Hertfordshire in 2009, added: ‘My priority as chief executive will be to ensure the delivery of the merger business plan, building on the excellent work that’s taken place so far and bringing together two teams who not only share extensive knowledge and experience, but who also share a passion and vision for exceptional palliative and end-of-life care in our communities.’  

Stuart’s ‘invaluable’ experience

Mike Rymer, the charity’s chair of trustees, said Stuart’s ‘experience leading on NHS transformation and organisational development programmes’ would be ‘invaluable’ to the newly formed group. Mike also thanked Amanda Fadero, whom Stuart will succeed as chief executive.

‘It’s a very exciting time to be joining the charity. Having previously been a trustee for St Barnabas Hospices, I have seen first-hand the essential work that the hospices do for adults, children, young people and their families across Sussex and south-east Hampshire and I’m thrilled to be part of that’ [Stuart Palma]

As a chief officer at NHS Sussex, Stuart spearheaded the transformation of all-age continuing care services, creating a single, integrated service to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality and equitable care provision for individuals with complex needs or those requiring end-of-life care. He also oversaw the quality and safety of the AHP workforce – the third largest professional group in the NHS.

Stuart believes that ‘everyone deserves a dignified and compassionate end-of-life experience’, and is ‘ideally suited to lead our hospices into an exciting new chapter, St Barnabas Hospice said in an item announcing Stuart’s appointment on its website.

For more information, visit: https://www.stbarnabas-hospice.org.uk/2025/02/11/announcing-our-new-ceo/  

Southern Hospice Group says aims to deliver

• outstanding patient care: ‘We bring together a wealth of specialist clinical experience, talent and resources to enhance the level of care provided to our patients, and to provide consistency of care across the catchment areas’
• community impact: ‘We’re committed to maintaining an active role in the community and contributing to its well-being. We aim to be a trusted partner in supporting individuals and families during their most challenging times’ 
• improved sustainability: ‘The integration of resources and streamlined processes will improve operational and financial efficiency, allowing us to allocate more resources to patient care’

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