Scores of tributes have been paid to Queenscourt Hospice Medical and Education Director Dr Karen Groves MBE, after she announced her retirement after 30 years.
Dr Karen Groves and her sister Sarah were the “inspiration and driving force” behind the creation of Queenscourt Hospice 30 years ago, when there were no real palliative care services in this area.
The hospice opened its doors in 1991, ahead of the official opening by Diana, Princess of Wales, the following year, which gained worldwide attention.
Dr Groves is now stepping down from her role as she asked the local community to continue supporting the charity, saying: “We still need to try to fill the gaps that exist for those who need us”.
Thousands of people across Southport, Sefton and West Lancashire have been impacted by the work of Queenscourt over the past three decades, with lots of people eager to pay their thanks to Dr Karen Groves.
Speaking in the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, Karen Spencer wrote: “Amazing work she has done and achieved. Hope whoever takes over has the same empathy and support, love and hard work for the hospice as it’s a credit to her and all her staff. I work very closely with the hospice . Enjoy your retirement, well earned.”
Lynne Hardy wrote: “I was a cook at Queenscourt Hospice back in 1992 to 1994. Remember her well. Wishing her a happy retirement.”
Tony Wynne wrote: “What an amazing person she is… and her contribution to Queenscourt Hospice has been astounding.”
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Terry Keefe wrote: “A great dedicated lady, Thank you for what you have done for so many people. Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it.”
Joanne Horan said: “All the very best on your retirement and God bless for everything you have done and helped your a wonderful person you will be missed.”
Ghislaine Fletcher said: “Amazing lady….. all the very best to Dr Groves on her retirement after a brilliant career of dedication and support. Well done Karen!”
Christine Morris said: “A dedicated and compassionate lady. Remembered fondly as a committed and caring GP prior to dedicated service at Queenscourt. You will be sadly missed, but wishing you a happy and healthy retirement!”
Melanie Smith said: “Enjoy your retirement well deserved you’ve done a wonderful job and helped many families and patients through difficult times.”
Ellen Gardner said: “Karen Groves was my GP, as well as being an excellent doctor was a great support to me when starting my family in the mid 1980s. I was pleased to hear of her success and wonderful work over the past 30 years and wish her well in her retirement.”
LouLou French said: “Wonderful person.. I remember her with fond memories and wish her all the best in her retirement. She was always honest with me about what was happening with my mum, she was only 48 when she was diagnosed terminally Ill and the hospice, Karen let me come in and spend as much time with her and Karen talked me through what was going on. 26 years ago now so Karen had only just started there but what an amazing 30 years of helping and supporting families. Have a well deserved rest now.”
Writing on the Queenscourt Hospice Facebook page, Linda Gregory wrote: “Never thought we would see this day. Happy retirement Dr Groves. Well deserved thank you for all you have done.”
Cheryl Davies wrote: “Happy Retirement Dr Groves. What a wonderful job you have done. Wishing you a happy and well deserved retirement.”
Tony Hibbs wrote: “Never thought the word retirement and Dr Groves would be mentioned in the same sentence, it’s well earned.”
Dr Karen Groves and her sister Sarah led the creation of Queenscourt Hospice on Town Lane in Southport 30 years ago.
Today, Queenscourt Hospice provides support for the people across Southport, West Lancashire and Formby. The charity cares for patients with serious illnesses, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life at each new stage both in the hospice and at home.
- Would you like to support the work of Queenscourt Hospice? Please visit their website here: queenscourt.org.uk
- Support the work of Queenscourt Hospice by joining the Queenscourt Lottery here. You can win up to £1,500 each and every week – and, better still, you’ll be making a real difference to Queenscourt each time you play.
- If you would like to send a message to Dr Groves on her retirement, please get in touch by emailing: hospice@queenscourt.org.uk or by post to: Queenscourt Hospice, Town Lane, Southport, PR8 3RE.
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