The Chief Executive of Peace Hospice Care, Sue Plummer, has announced today that she will step down from the role she has held for eight years in June.

She has been appointed to a similar position at Garden House Hospice in Letchworth, near her home.

David Ellis, Chairman to the Board of Trustees, said: "We are hugely disappointed to be losing Sue.

"She has made a massive and lasting contribution to Peace Hospice Care having managed to extend and improve our services for our patients and their families in the face of huge financial pressures faced by limited statutory funding and the effects of the recession.

"Sue has been instrumental in growing our services, ensuring that even more patients and their families and carers have been helped by Peace Hospice Care across south west Herts.

"Her strong leadership together with her total commitment and dedication to Peace Hospice Care has been an inspiration and has moved the hospice forward significantly during the eight years she has been with us.

"We are very grateful to Sue for playing such a key role in maintaining and extending the range of patient services and also for securing continued funding for many parts of the Hospice's, including the Hospice at Home service.

Sue has also been a driving force in building solid partnerships with local healthcare providers.

Key achievements during her tenure include the opening of the new Starlight Centre, the refurbishment of the Inpatient Unit and overseeing other major developments within the hospice building in Rickmansworth Road.

Mr Ellis added: "The board is very grateful to Sue for leading Peace Hospice Care so magnificently well through periods of such significant change and for putting us in the best position to face the challenges ahead.

"The board wishes Sue every success in her next post and in her future career."