Local man to lead Kirkwood Hospice

Michael Crowther has been named as the new chief executive at the hospice, which provides free specialist care to adults across Kirklees with advanced progressive illnesses as well as support for family members, friends and carers.

He said he was very proud to work at the hospice and praised the commitment of its staff.

“Kirkwood Hospice has such a great reputation locally for the good work that it does. When the chief executive position became vacant I just knew I had to apply.

“I have found that everyone working here is passionate about what they do. This is a very warm and caring place, and that goes hand-in-hand with hard work and high standards.

Mr Crowther’s mother worked as a district nurse in Huddersfield, which first sparked his passion for end-of-life care.

“When my nana was ill in 1997, my mum was able to help make it possible for her to die at home. I realised then how difficult it can be to make this happen.

“Ever since then I have been gravitating towards a role that can make a real difference to how people live with life-limiting conditions and to how they eventually die.”

Mr Crowther has worked in the NHS for 20 years, most recently at Locala Community Partnerships, where he was head of business development and performance.

He will take over the role from joint chief executives Hilary Turner and Christine Springthorpe.