Thames Hospice's new CEO on 2025 and 'why we need your help more than ever'

There’s a new woman in the top job at Thames Hospice, and she’s calling for your help.

The hospice has launched its New Year, New Me campaign, and speaking to the Advertiser, Dr Rachael de Caux discussed why Thames Hospice’s mission has never been more critical. 

“Hospice care needs your help now more than ever,” says Thames Hospice’s new chief executive officer Dr Rachael de Caux.

Dr de Caux has stepped into the hospice’s top job at a crucial time, with the cost of providing end-of-life (palliative) care rising – and the demand for it.

Following her appointment in December, Dr de Caux outlined why she wants to turn up the volume on noise around hospice care.

And why Thames Hospice, ‘which quietly delivers its services’, is so crucial to support this year.

‘A very challenging time’

“The values of this organisation, in terms of the quality of life to the end of life for everyone, really resonated with me,” Dr de Caux, 46, said.

“I have lived experience of hospice care. I lost both of my parents to cancer and during that time, I saw the amazing work that the sector does.

“What it allowed me to do was to stop being a doctor with my family and actually be a daughter.”

Dr de Caux qualified as a doctor in 2002, and has worked at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading for around 13 years.

While working at Thames Hospice, the Henley resident continues to help at the Royal Berkshire as a consultant in its emergency department.

“It [Thames Hospice] is one of these services that quietly delivers in the background but really is so important - and will become more important,” Dr de Caux said.

More and more people are seeking hospice care.

There are more cancers being diagnosed; more younger people living with complex life-limiting conditions; and many older people who need end-of-life support.

However, Thames Hospice is not just grappling with demand pressures.

Dr de Caux said: “I am joining at a very challenging time for funding in the sector.

“We have had a very significant impact from the Budget: it’s added just shy of £1 million to our running costs each year.

“Those added pressures all mean we have to generate more money coming into the organisation to keep providing the essential services we do.”

Thames Hospice expects changes in National Insurance (NI) costs will add between £300,000 and £325,000 to its budget.

National Minimum Wage increases will add an additional £200,000 and other NHS pay costs and remaining competitive in the jobs market will cost around £350,000.

Dr de Caux said the Budget had been ‘disappointing’.

She added: “We have had a welcome, more recent, announcement with new funding for hospice care, but we really were not ready for the impact of last year’s Budget.”

The Government announced £100million in extra funding for hospices last month.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said would ‘ensure they will be able to continue to deliver the compassionate care everyone deserves’.

Dr de Caux said: “I think financial sustainability, being able to have enough money coming in to cover the cost of our services is the thing that worried me the most [before joining] – and probably still worries me.”

“Two thirds of our income is totally dependent on the generosity of our supporters through fundraising, or from our supporters through retail – and I know it is a difficult time with the cost of living.”

New Year, New Me

Thames Hospice has launched its New Year, New Me appeal; encouraging as many people as possible to support it as the New Year begins.

There are opportunities, not just as a volunteer; but also as a fundraiser, taking part in one – or more – of the many events it runs throughout the year.

Dr De Caux said: “It’s the New Year and I would imagine there are lots of people considering: ‘do I want a career change’ or ‘do I want to give something back to the community in addition to my work’.

“If you’re having a clearout in terms of your resolution, our shops need donations.

“We’ve got lots of events coming up this year which could be a great way of achieving something on your bucket list.

“Volunteering is hugely important too. It can be as little or as much as you can do, any support we get is valuable for us.”

“It’s an opportunity for people to support what is a critical part of their community, as well as smashing some of their personal goals.”

To find out more about opportunities to help Thames Hospice visit its website.