THE director of clinical services at Wigan and Leigh hospice has announced she will step down from her role next year.

After almost 14 years at the Hospice, Chris Duddle, who lives in Tyldesley, will retire in early 2015.

Mrs Duddle, worked in various roles in the NHS after qualifying as a Registered General Nurse in 1980, began working at the hospice as director of clinical services in March 2001.

She said: “At that time I didn’t know what the next step in my career would be but my neighbour said there was a new management role at Wigan and Leigh Hospice and that I should apply. From the moment I walked through the door the feeling of the hospice overwhelmed me. It was friendly and really open — it was like coming home.

“I just knew I really wanted the job and that I could make a difference to the lives of people in my own community.”

Mrs Duddle created a new organisational structure which involved expanding the nursing team and began a successful search for the hospice’s own palliative care consultant.

“I’m proud of the staff who strive to deliver quality care every time and the volunteers who just give so selflessly," the 55-year-old added.

“I’m really proud that the service I’m leaving is a very strong service and I really believe we are reaching more people although it’s never-ending – you always want to reach more.

“I’ve only achieved what I have because of the staff and volunteers who put my vision into practice. It has been a true team effort.”

She plans to spend time with friends and family and travel abroad and in the UK and volunteer at the hospice and with an animal charity. A new director of clinical services will be appointed shortly.