As Peter Hartland prepares to retire after 15 years as our Chief Executive, he admits that he leaves an organisation very different to the one he first started working with.
“Our main building was failing, we were running out of money and to be honest both staff and volunteers were tired and frustrated by not being able to give the level of care and support they really wanted to,” he recalls.
“We started a programme of transformation, based around great care for our patients and families and kindness to all those working for or with the charity - values that remain central to St Luke’s to this day.”
In the 15 years since Peter took on the pivotal role of Chief Executive, St Luke's rebuilt its In Patient Centre and doubled the number of patients cared for in their homes across Sheffield.
It has also opened a new centre on Ecclesall Road South to support patients and families coping with loneliness and the social effects of terminal illness.
Providing vital financial support for that level of work, our string of successful shops across the city has doubled from seven to 14, with income more than doubling to cover the cost of new services and keep up with the cost of living.
"While I’ve been Chief Executive we’ve raised over £100m through voluntary giving and our shops,” Peter explains.
“This incredible level of support from all the people of Sheffield has enabled us to keep St Luke’s running and also to rebuild it fit for today and the future.
“In that time we’ve supported around 25,000 terminally ill patients, plus their families, and we have helped another 7,000 through bereavement support and other activities.
“That’s amazing and I thank our wonderful staff and volunteers - and all our incredible donors and supporters - for their help.”
Peter adds, though, that he now feels it is the right time for him to hand over to a new Chief Executive as St Luke's enters a new phase of development.
“I think that 15 years is enough for anyone in a role like this and I’m standing down to allow the next person with energy, commitment and the right values to lead this wonderful charity,” he says.
"The St Luke’s Board is conducting the search now and I’m sure an announcement will be made in coming weeks.
“I wish that person - and the Executive team who will be leading St Luke’s in the interim - all the good fortune in the world.”
As he prepares for his final few days with the St Luke’s team, Peter is looking forward to some time to relax and recharge.
“My dog is always telling me it’s time for a walk so she’ll be very happy and my two-year-old granddaughter is my new boss,” he says.
“I’ve a few other roles in Sheffield and beyond to keep me out of mischief too so it isn’t retirement yet.
“And I’ll always be looking out for St Luke’s of course – it’s going to continue to need all our support to remain here for Sheffield.”