THE CEO of Strathcarron Hospice has now retired, closing the door on a career spanning 44 years in health care.

Irene McKie swapped her career in NHS management to take over the running of the hospice in September 2006.

She had been at the helm of Strathcarron since then, remaining in charge for 18 years until her retirement last week.

She said: “We have the largest and, in my opinion, the best hospice in Scotland. I have no doubt the hospice will be well looked after in the future.

“I would like to thank staff for all your friendship, support and overall for just doing a fantastic job.

“Working in a hospice, it does change the way you think about life. Spending your working life trying to help people get the most out of their final months makes you wonder why so many of us waste time putting things off when we are well.

“We keep telling people to live the best life they can when they know they’re dying, and it makes you think: ‘well, why would you wait until you’re dying?'  Just go for it.”

During her time in charge, Irene proposed a number of initiatives and brought in vast changes, which have continued in the hospice today.

She brought in Strathcarron’s Hospice at Home service, the first of its kind in Scotland, which also celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

The lymphoedema service was expanded to provide comprehensive support to all patients in Forth Valley.

The hospice launched its Creative Homecare scheme, which was created to generate income for the hospice.

The fundraising, lottery and voluntary source income has increased by nearly 400 per cent in the last 17 years.

Marjory Mackay, director of nursing at Strathcarron, added: “Irene has been an outstanding leader.

“She has transformed this charity into a business which has set us into good stead for the future.

“She has phenomenal vision and drive and has helped us expand and excel in areas across the reach of the hospice including transforming the building and services.

“Current and former staff, volunteers and board members at the Hospice will miss Irene’s wisdom, listening ear, encouragement, guidance, humour and stories.

“She has encouraged, inspired and taught so many of us and helped us grow as a team, as individuals and as an organisation.

“What an incredible journey and a huge achievement. She has helped change lives and leaves behind a great legacy.

“We are confident about the future of the hospice. We all wish her a very happy retirement.”