A HOSPICE that cares for people in South Gloucestershire held a special event to mark the retirement of its medical director who has worked there for 25 years.


A tea party was held at St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol to reflect and celebrate Carole Dacombe’s 25 years of service on Tuesday, April 28.


Dr Dacombe, 61, said: “I think St Peter’s Hospice is all about commitment.


“St Peters invites and achieves huge commitment from its staff because they feel the work is so worthwhile, and St Peter’s offers huge commitment to the people of Bristol.


“The people of Bristol have in turn given that commitment back to the hospice by supporting us. The reason we are able to do so much more now than when I joined is because they have given such commitment to the hospice.


"I have learned from every single patient I have met. I have learned from them as human beings, and from their family relationships and how they work together to deal with the difficult situation they are in.


“You continue to be amazed by people’s courage and resilience, and their amazing ability to deal with their situation, even when they don’t think that they can deal with it.”


Simon Caraffi CEO St Peters Hospice, said: “There is sadness at the departure of one of the most significant individuals in the life of St Peter’s but also pleasure in being able to celebrate Carole’s wonderful achievements.


“During her time at St Peter’s she has been involved in caring for tens of thousands of patients with life-limiting illness, and it is no exaggeration therefore to say that she has made a huge personal contribution to the well-being of the people of Greater Bristol.


“Carole has personified professional excellence, boundless energy and selfless commitment.

"There are numerous doctors, nurses and other health professionals who have benefited from her tuition and guidance and all of us at St Peter’s will miss her but equally want to wish her a supremely well-deserved, long and healthy retirement – knowing Carole we doubt it will be relaxing.”