We are delighted to announce the successful appointment of our new Chief Executive, Stuart Palma.
Stuart brings a wealth of experience from across the health and care sector, including senior roles at NHS England and most recently, NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board, as the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer & Director of All-Age Continuing Care, providing him with valuable insight into the local healthcare system.
The news follows last year’s announcement that St Barnabas Hospices (incorporating St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House) would be merging with Martlets during 2024, a process that is now nearing completion to form the newly created Southern Hospice Group.
Stuart is due to join the group in April, find out more about him below.
From Stuart:
“It’s a very exciting time to be joining the charity. Having previously been a Trustee for St Barnabas Hospices, I have seen first-hand the essential work that the hospices do for adults, children, young people and their families across Sussex and South-East Hampshire and I’m thrilled to be part of that,”
“My priority as Chief Executive will be to ensure the delivery of the merger business plan, building on the excellent work that’s taken place so far and bringing together two teams who not only share extensive knowledge and experience, but who also share a passion and vision for exceptional palliative and end-of-life care in our communities.”
From Mike Rymer, the charity’s Chair of Trustees:
“We’re delighted to be welcoming Stuart to the hospices’ leadership team. His experience leading on NHS transformation and organisational development programmes will be invaluable to us as we enter a crucial period in our newly formed group’s history. We’re confident that Stuart has the requisite vision and leadership to help us build an organisation that will continue to offer the best care to those who need us for many years to come.
“I also wish to take the opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to Amanda Fadero, the outgoing CEO. Amanda joined us over three years ago and I, along with the Board of Trustees, am immensely grateful for the experience, wisdom and vision she has provided not only to the hospices but also with our immediate partners and the wider health system.”
Meet Stuart
A physiotherapist by background, Stuart brings extensive leadership experience from across the health and care sector, including shaping national healthcare policy and legislation. As a Chief Officer at NHS Sussex, he spearheaded the transformation of All-Age Continuing Care services, creating a single, integrated service to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality and equitable care provision for individuals with complex needs or those requiring end-of-life care. He also oversaw the quality and safety of the Allied Health Professions workforce, the third largest in the NHS, ensuring effective care for the people of Sussex.
In 2019, driven by the belief that everyone deserves a dignified and compassionate end-of-life experience, Stuart became a Trustee for St Barnabas Hospices, allowing him to develop an in-depth understanding of the hospice sector.
With a deep understanding and experience of the healthcare landscape gained through these roles, his passion for high quality end-of-life care provision and focus on strategic growth, Stuart is ideally suited to lead our hospices into an exciting new chapter.
Published 11/02/2025