FRANCIS HOUSE - Key Persons
David trained as an Architect and holds a B.A. (hons) and a postgraduate Diploma in Architecture. He was an elected member of the R.I.B.A. from 1982 - 2005. He obtained a Certificate of Religious Studies and was ordained as a Minister in the United Reformed Church in 1995. A partner in a national firm of Architects he worked as an Architect for 23 years. He designed and supervised the construction of Francis House which was awarded the Care Home Design Award in 1993. David became a Trustee in 1992 serving in that capacity until appointment to his current role in 2005.
David Ireland, Francis House Chief Executive said: "It has been the greatest privilege to have been able to follow in the footsteps of Sister Aloysius, the founder of the hospice. I have been honoured that the Trustees have allowed us to develop and expand the services over the years to meet their increasing need.
Dr Eamonn O'Neal DL has been chosen by King Charles as the next High Sheriff of Greater Manchester.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Secretary to the Trustees Is the Revd David Ireland
Prior to joining Francis House Karen was an award winning video producer director with a career spanning 20 years. Karen continues to produce the fundraising videos and photography for Francis House. Having worked as a consultant she joined the team in 2012. In Sept 2013, she was awarded the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Advanced Certificate in PR. Karen issues press releases to the local media and manages the website. She promotes the work of the hospice through the print newsletter, e-Newsletter and our social media channels.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Trustee
- Chairman of Trustees Said
Jane Kempler, Chair of Trustees said: "The Trustees cannot thank David enough for what he has achieved for the families and staff who have touched Francis House over the years.
Jason joined us as charity shop manager in 2016. Jason has varied experience in managing people dealing with the general public in roles such as polling clerk and working for Euro Sites constructing and dismantling camp sites. Initially he qualified as a hairdresser before setting up his own barber shop in 2000. He joined the Francis House team in 2016 as Shop Manager. He also runs our charity eBay shop. Customer satisfaction is of primary importance to Jason.
Job Titles:
- Communications
- Public Relations and Press Officer
Job Titles:
- Personal Assistant to CEO and Director of Care
Karen joined the administrative team in April 2018 after working at the Royal Bank of Scotland as the team manager responsible for the mortgage underwriters team. When she first joined Francis House she was responsible for updating medical records and all administrative work relating to recruitment and appointments. She became the P.A. in September 2021 following the retirement of the previous postholder.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Lead - Francis Lodge
Laura has a Diploma with Advanced Standing in Paediatric Nursing from Salford University.
Since qualifying Laura has worked in Paediatric Intensive Care at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital where she reached the role of ‘Junior Sister'. Whilst on the PICU she cared for critically ill children with a wide range of complex conditions. Laura joined the Francis House team in February 2016 and became a member of the Seniors Team in January 2017. Whilst carrying out her duties as a Senior she has also worked as the Lead for Education (initially sharing the role with Cerysa Doherty). Laura was appointed Clinical Lead in April 2021.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Assistant to the Chief Executive
Rachael trained as a Solicitor gaining a Law Degree (2:1) and Law Society Finals (hons), elected a member of the Law Society in 1996. She joined the Law Society Family Law Panel in 1998 and became Resolution Accredited Specialist (children and domestic violence in 2010, and Resolution Collaborative Lawyer in 2011). Rachael became a Trustee in 2000 commencing her current role in 2011. Rachael continues to hold her practising certificate and is able to advise both the Trustees and families regarding legal issues.
Job Titles:
- Registered Manager and Director of Care
Sharon has a Diploma in Professional Nursing from Manchester University. She is a Registered Nurse - Adult branch (2009). Sharon also completed a Palliative Care Course in 2014.
Since qualifying Sharon has worked at Willow Wood Hospice, Accident and Emergency for Pennine Acute Trust and later became a District Nurse for Stockport NHS Foundation. Whilst on the District Nurse Team she became the Palliative Care Link Nurse. She joined the Francis House Team in February 2015 becoming a member of the Senior Team in December 2015. She was appointed Clinical Lead in September 2016 and Assistant to the Registered Manager in April 2020. Sharon became Registered Manager in November 2020.