Our Executive Team

The Executive Team are responsible for the day-to-day running of the hospice. They are highly skilled professionals who are passionate about the work of the hospice.

Hospice Chief Executive, Jo Carby

 

Jo joined the hospice firstly as Manager of the Hospice Nurse Specialists, a highly skilled team who care for patients in the last 12 months of life. She became Clinical Director at the hospice in February 2015 and was appointed as Chief Executive in March 2021.

Before she joined us Jo  spent three years as team manager at St Christopher's Hospice in London followed by a period as a Community Hospice Nurse Specialist at St Catherine's Hospice, Preston.

 

Medical Director, Dr Anna Murray

 

Anna studied Medicine at the University of Leeds, qualifying as a doctor in 1996.

She worked in hospitals in Yorkshire before moving to Manchester to work at St Ann’s Hospice in 2000. She continued to train in Palliative Medicine in the North West, and has experience working in hospices, hospital palliative care teams and community palliative care services.

Anna began working at Wigan and Leigh Hospice in 2008, and became Medical Director in 2019. She leads the medical team, providing medical care for patients in the hospice Inpatient Unit, in Medical Outpatient Clinics and in their homes.

Her areas of particular interest within work include the safe management of medications, ensuring that patients with impaired mental capacity are cared for appropriately, and supporting patients with issues relating to intimacy and sexuality.

Director of Business Development, Clare Cooke

 

Clare joined the hospice in 2023 and is responsible for leading the fundraising, retail, finance and communications functions. She has worked in the charity sector for the past ten years, leading a successful fundraising and communications team at a national charity.

Her priority is to ensure the hospice has the funds it needs to continue delivering its services to the people of Wigan & Leigh.

 

Clinical Director, Anna Swift

Anna leads the hospice's clinical teams, who provide care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses - and those important to them - both in the community and in our Inpatient Unit.
She has worked within the NHS in Wigan for over 20 years across primary care and hospital settings, bringing valuable experience in quality improvement and service transformation.
Anna is passionate about breaking down barriers to access, ensuring everyone receives the best possible care and support.

Director of People & Operations, Sarah Brooks

Sarah joined Wigan & Leigh Hospice in August 2024 and oversees a broad portfolio, including people management and volunteering, estates, health and safety, catering, and data and digital innovation. She also serves as the hospice's Senior Information Risk Officer, ensuring robust information governance and compliance across the organisation.

With over 15 years' experience in similar roles within the charity sector, Sarah brings a strong focus on operational excellence and team development. She is passionate about supporting staff and volunteers, driving continuous improvement, and creating safe, welcoming environments for patients and their families. Her work helps the hospice adapt and grow to meet the evolving needs of its workforce and the wider community.