Every so often we like to shine the spotlight on our members, and in this case one of the members of the Bristol Initiative. We sat down with Susan Hamilton, CEO of St Peter's Hospice to talk about their life at St Peter's and their relationship with the Bristol Initiative. 

Jenny Ablett: Tell us about your role – what do you have responsibility for? What does a typical day look like? 

Susan Hamilton: I am the Chief Executive for St Peter’s Hospice. 

My days are very varied, so there isn’t a typical one as such. The charity has many areas of operations, and most my time is spent in meetings, internally and externally, discussing the different areas of our business – delivery of our clinical services, income generation through fundraising and retail, and our internal operations.  

I joined St Peter’s as CEO in March 24, and it’s also been a priority for me to spend time with different teams as they deliver services. One day could be spent with our nurses, who provide expert care for patients in their own homes, in our Inpatient Unit, or over the phone via our 24/7 Advice Line. Another day, I could be in one of our 46 shops in the Bristol area talking to staff and volunteers. We are incredibly grateful to individuals, groups and businesses who donate to us, and meeting our supporters is a key part of my role.   

JA: What does your organisation do? Why do you like working for them? 

SH: St Peter’s Hospice is the only adult hospice in the greater Bristol area. We provide care and support to over 3,000 patients with life limiting illness each year and also support families and loved ones through bereavement. We employ around 500 people and are fortunate to have around 1,300 volunteers supporting all areas of our operations. I have always worked in the health sector, in the NHS, local government and the charity sector and am passionate about improving the quality of care and reducing inequalities. St Peter’s Hospice is an exceptional organisation, and it a privilege to be able to lead an organisation providing vital services.  

JA: Why have you joined the Bristol Initiative? 

SH: St Peter’s has been a member of the Bristol Initiative for several years and membership has helped with establishing connections to organisations that contribute to our charitable purpose. The membership of the Bristol Initiative has helps us build these connections in a range of areas – delivery of healthcare, initiatives to work with communities to address inequalities, developing vibrant retail environments, and raising funds. So many of us share common ambitions and challenges, the Bristol Initiative provides a great forum to address these.   

JA: What are the key agendas that you’re looking forward to getting involved with?

SH: Top of my list are connections around skills, addressing health inequalities, environmental sustainability, and income generation. As a large employer, we are keen to work with others on the common issues we have around developing skills, providing opportunities at all levels. We have great connections with a range of organisations working with local communities to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, but we are always looking for new connections and ideas to address health inequalities. Connections around income generation are welcome.

JA: Where is your favourite place to visit in Bristol? 

SH: I’ve lived in Bristol for over 20 years and love the variety and vibrancy of the city, green spaces and options for urban walks and the amazing food. One of my favourite places is the harbour, you can often find me doing a lap of the docks for an evening walk – dinner in the restaurants in Cargo is always a treat. I’m a great fan of Ashton Court and Arnos Vale for a bit of greenery. And finally, you can’t beat lunch at St Nicholas market. 

If you are a member of a Bussiness West Chambers of Commerce and would like to be featured in a blog just like this one then you can get in touch.