Management Team

Debbie Raven became CEO of Thames Hospice in March 2015 and has overall responsibility for leading the charity, its patients, staff, volunteers, policies and strategy.

Her proven dedication and experience in specialist palliative care has been instrumental in delivering the highest quality of care to patients - their families and carers. Prior to joining Thames Hospice, Debbie held a number of senior management positions across the NHS and independent healthcare sector. She is also a nurse with over 30 years of experience, having specialised in district nursing.

Debbie says: 

“I am humbled by the dedication of our team and proud to be leading an organisation where expert care and everyday kindness is at the heart of everything we do. I am committed to working with our local community and dedicated supporters, without whom we couldn’t provide our services to patients and their families.”

Jita joined Thames Hospice as Medical Director & Consultant in Palliative Care Medicine in July 2020. She completed a Certificate of Training in Palliative Medicine in 2009 and was awarded the Fellowship of Royal Colleges of Physicians in 2014.

Jita also received the Health Education England Wessex Shine Award as part of the Countess Mountbatten Hospice Education Team in 2014.

Jita worked as a Consultant in Palliative Medicine at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Countess Mountbatten Hospice since 2009. As Lead Consultant, she led on the transition of Countess Mountbatten Hospice from the NHS to an independent hospice in 2019.

Her vision is to develop evidence-based specialist palliative and end-of-life care services which is accessible to all people with life-limiting illnesses in the local community.

Jita says:

“I feel very proud to be part of the forward thinking team at Thames Hospice and working with the multi-disciplinary team to deliver compassionate and expert care, supporting patients and their loved ones.”

Lisa joined Thames Hospice in 2019, where she was appointed as the Director of Nursing and Family Services.

This role involves overseeing all the clinical departments and heads of service to maintain our high standards of care, whilst managing a smooth transition to our amazing new hospice by Bray Lake.

Lisa has a strong background in cancer medicine, previously working as a clinical services manager for cancer services and palliative care. Lisa also ran a busy oncology service and helped in the development of a new oncology unit and palliative care service.

Lisa says: 

"It is a privilege to work for an organisation where every single member of staff and volunteer dedicate themselves through passion and care to the patients and their families."

Tracey joined Thames Hospice in 2015 as Finance Manager and was promoted to Head of Finance & IT before taking up her current role where she is now responsible for Finance, IT & Facilities.

She is a qualified Accountant and has over 20 years of experience in a range of finance roles, the majority of which have been in the not-for-profit sector.

Tracy says: 

“I feel very proud to be part of the team at Thames Hospice, working with all departments around the organisation to support them in order to help achieve our mission of providing and supporting the best palliative and end-of-life care to our community”

Carol joined Thames Hospice as Director of People in May 2021. This is a new role and combines HR, Education and Volunteer Services, with the ambition to attract, develop and engage staff and volunteers to offer excellent services for the community and those in our care.

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.”

Sarah Bissell joined Thames Hospice in October 2018 as Director of Fundraising and Marketing. Sarah joins Thames Hospice from Autistica, the UK’s leading autism research charity.

Sarah’s career in fundraising spans 20 years, including roles at the British Red Cross, WWF and Daryl Upsall Consulting. She is also a Trustee for the Institute of Fundraising.

Commenting on her appointment, Sarah Bissell said:

“As a local resident I see the tremendous value of Thames Hospice to local families and I am hugely excited to be joining at a time when we need to grow our income and awareness significantly to meet the needs of the community across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.”

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”