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Our Team

Judi Newman

Chief Executive Officer

Summary of your job role & directorate: Leadership and oversight of the hospice and its services. I represent the hospice externally with our integrated care system partners and am responsible for ensuring we have good governance, sustainable resources and a safe, positive working environment.

Previous experience: My background is in charity fundraising and philanthropy advice. I have worked for international, national and local charities, and was the Development Director for the Suffolk Community Foundation for over six years so am very passionate about the local charitable sector in Suffolk.

What is the most rewarding part of working at St Elizabeth Hospice? I find it most rewarding when I hear directly from patients and families on the impact that our care services have made on their lives, listening to their feedback to make sure that we continuously seek to improve the care we offer. So often, our volunteers and supporters are motivated to help us because of the experiences of care that their loved ones received and it is always moving to hear their personal stories.

What do you like to do in your spare time? My husband Andrew and I like exploring new cities and listening to live music. I love to read but I usually have too many books on the go at any one time, as my three dogs keep me busy. Our two children are in their twenties so the school runs have finished but one is a keen horse rider so I am still required for lorry driving to competitions.

Marlini Finney

Chief Operating Officer

Summary of your job role & directorate: I lead the areas that support operational delivery, such as Estates, People, Finance, IT and Business Intelligence.

Previous experience: I have previously worked entirely in the private sector, more recently running a local manufacturing company.

What is the most rewarding part of working at St Elizabeth Hospice? My role involves a lot of transformation, and it’s rewarding to see it start to take shape for the overall benefit of hospice services. The hospice is also a great place to work, with a positive, friendly and welcoming team.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I like spending time with my family –  including my 3 grandsons, archery, theatre and I’ve recently discovered camping!

Dr Alison Blaken

Medical Director & Consultant in Palliative Medicine

Summary of your job role & directorate: My job is to provide support and leadership to the hospice’s medical team and to the wider clinical teams, holding overall responsibility for the clinical management of patients within the hospice alongside the Director of Care. The medical team of Doctors, Medical Consultants and Nurse Consultants deliver patient care across all hospice sites. As a consultant, I continue to work clinical sessions with patients, as well as developing and delivering the hospice’s strategic aims and working alongside colleagues in both our integrated care systems.

Previous experience: I have worked at the hospice since 2011, previously working in other palliative care settings around the east of England. Before taking on the medical director role I also worked as part of the palliative care team in Ipswich Hospital alongside my hospice role.

What is the most rewarding part of working at St Elizabeth Hospice? The friendly welcome, fantastic teamwork and seeing the differences we make every day.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Enjoying family life in rural East Suffolk including a growing number of dogs.

Lisa Parrish

Director of Patient Services

Summary of your job role & directorate: As Director of Care, I am responsible for all services delivering care to patients and their families. I am the Registered Manager with the Care Quality Commission and the Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer.

Previous experience: My clinical background is in cancer and end-of-life care. I have held various leadership roles both in hospital and community services as well as commissioning roles. Prior to joining St Elizabeth Hospice, I held a Director of Care role at St Helena Hospice in Colchester.

What is the most rewarding part of working at St Elizabeth Hospice? Empowering teams to be able to deliver outstanding care to patients and their families. I love hearing how our teams have made a difference at really difficult times.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I like spending time with my family and friends, going to the gym and trying to develop my creative side with various craft projects.

Clare Chater

Director of Income Generation & Marketing

Summary of your job role & directorate: I oversee our Fundraising, Retail, and Marketing & Communications activities, with a focus on raising awareness of and engagement with the hospice, building meaningful relationships and inspiring people to support our work and help us to be here for everyone who needs us.

Previous experience: I read Law at university and since pursued a career in charities, gaining over 20 years’ experience in the sector. I started with roles in project management, events and community fundraising and have worked for a range of local and national organisations including Girlguiding UK, Parkinson’s UK and the MS Society. I presented at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Convention, been a CIoF mentor, served on the NHS Charities Together national campaigns group and chaired the London NHS Charities Fundraising Group. More recently, I held Director roles at Barts Charity and St Nicholas Hospice Care, joining St Elizabeth Hospice in June 2024.

What is the most rewarding part of working at St Elizabeth Hospice? I am motivated by enabling people to make a difference for a cause that they’re passionate about and I am continually amazed by the dedication and generosity of our supporters. It is most rewarding to hear stories of how much the hospice means to patients and families, and the incredible care and support that is offered by our staff and volunteers.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Having relocated to Suffolk in 2022, I am enjoying life in the countryside with my young family. Alongside work and family commitments, I am a Trustee of my local nursery school, using my professional skills in a voluntary capacity.