Management Team

Rachael brings an impressive wealth of clinical and strategic leadership experience, most recently as Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board. Rachael is also a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and previously worked as a voluntary Pre-Hospital Care Physician with Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance.

“I am delighted to be joining this outstanding organisation, and excited to be leading the next chapter. I am already struck by the passion and commitment demonstrated by the staff and volunteers here, and feel privileged to play a role in ensuring all patients and their families continue to receive compassionate, high-quality end-of-life support.”

Nick joined Thames Hospice in August 2022 as Chief of Clinical Services, supporting our doctors in the delivery of specialist medical care to patients on the Inpatient Unit and across our local community. He also oversees the professional development of the Medical Team alongside the General Medical Council (GMC) in his capacity as Responsible Officer. 

Prior to joining Thames Hospice, Nick worked for 10 years as a Consultant in Palliative Medicine in both the NHS and Voluntary Hospice settings. He was lead for Medical Education in his previous role and has a Visiting Lectureship with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Surrey. He plans to use this experience to further develop education, training and research at Thames Hospice.

“It is such an exciting time to be at Thames Hospice as we consolidate and grow in our outstanding facility by Bray Lake. I have been so impressed with the professional and compassionate care provided by my clinical colleagues and am so grateful for the incredible support of our fundraising, retail and finance teams who work tirelessly to enable us to deliver this excellent support to patients and their loved ones.”

Loren joined Thames Hospice in April 2022 as Associate Director of Clinical Services, becoming a member of the Executive Team in January 2023 Chief Nurse. At the beginning of 2024, Loren was appointed Director of Nursing and, working closely with our Medical Director Dr Nick Dando, leads the strategic and operational running of the Hospice’s clinical services - Hospice at Home, Inpatient Services and Outpatient Services - striving to ensure that patient quality and safety underpins the care we provide every day.

Loren has been a Registered Nurse for over 14 years, enjoying senior roles within the NHS, private and charity sectors. Loren is the Registered Manager and joint Safeguarding Lead for Thames Hospice.

Loren says:

“I am so proud to lead our multi-disciplinary team of clinical colleagues who deliver agile care with dignity, respect and compassion every day to support our local community with their palliative and end of life care needs.”

Nigel brings a huge wealth of experience in the healthcare sector, having worked in the NHS for over 20 years, most recently at Frimley Health Foundation Trust as Executive Director of Finance.

“I'm really thrilled to be joining Thames Hospice. It’s an outstanding organisation with a great team who provide compassionate care to patients and their loved ones when they need it most. It's a privilege to be part of that team.”

Jane Symmons joined Thames Hospice in 2016 as Head of Capital Appeal and Major Gifts. In 2021 she became Associate Director of Major Gifts and Legacies and in January 2024 she was promoted to Director of Fundraising.

Jane has worked in the not for profit and charity sector for over 20 years. Her focus is building relationships with those who can give major gifts but she has also worked across individual giving, corporate fundraising, special event management, supporter care and gifts in Wills. One of her highlights was working on the Arora Ball in 2022.

Jane says:

“I am passionate about fundraising and offering our supporters the opportunity to give in a way that makes them feel good. All of us will come across hospice care at some point in our lives and it is a privilege to lead on fundraising for such an important cause in my local community.”

Julie joined Thames Hospice in April 2006 and worked in various roles within Retail before taking over as Retail Director in May 2015.

Julie has 30 years of financial and commercial High Street management experience and is responsible for Thames Hospice's Retail Division. She has overseen the development of the Thames Hospice retail brand, introducing specialist stores, such as Windsor’s Vintage & Retro, the Home store, Home Studio and Bag a Bargain and has recently taken over responsibility for the Hospice café, Café’ By The Lake and developing our online platforms eBay and Thames Hospice Shop No.23.

Julie says: 

"I feel privileged to be part of Thames Hospice; working with the retail team delivering much-needed income to continue supporting the exceptional care provided to patients, their families and carers in the local community”

Carol joined Thames Hospice as Director of People in May 2021 with the ambition to attract, develop and engage staff and volunteers to offer excellent services for the community and those in our care. At the beginning of 2024 Carol's role expanded to Director of People and Operations, combining People Services, Marketing, Facilities, Estates and Housekeeping.

Carol has a strong background in retail and people services having been the HR Director in central government support, the Department for Culture and latterly prison and probation services. Since this time Carol has worked as both an Independent HR Consultant and as a Director of People in the NHS. Carol says:

“I am delighted to work for an organisation that cares about the staff and those within our care. I am passionate about employee engagement, developing people and improving the values and culture of an organisation. It is a real privilege to be appointed for such a great organisation and support the workforce and volunteers who deliver excellent services in the Hospice and retail stores.”