Delaware Hospice names new statewide director

Delaware Hospice recently announced the appointment of Claire Walsh of Dewey Beach to the position of director of homecare services.

Chief Clinical Officer Ann Marie Ackerman said, “We are pleased to have Claire Walsh in this role. She brings an extensive knowledge of hospice as well as a commitment and comprehensive understanding of our organization.”

Walsh will have statewide responsibilities for all of Delaware Hospice’s homecare services. This includes services provided to patients in their homes, in hospitals and in long-term-care facilities.

Walsh has been a Delaware Hospice employee for 14 years. She began her nursing career in 1981 and was hired by Delaware Hospice as a registered nurse in 1997 on an as-needed basis. She later moved into a full-time nursing position and within a year became a case manager. She also handled on-call duties all over Sussex County.

Another promotion put her in charge of patient admissions and community education involving public speaking about Delaware Hospice to various community organizations. In 2003, she became the Sussex County nursing coordinator, overseeing nurses and certified nursing assistants. Her role was expanded in 2006 to include supervision of social workers and chaplains as Delaware Hospice adopted the team care model in keeping with the holistic approach to end-of-life care.

Walsh said, “I am honored and excited to assume this new role in a leadership position with Delaware Hospice, which consistently provides quality care to patients and their families when they need it most.”

For more information about Delaware Hospice’s programs and services, upcoming events, or employment opportunities, call 800-838-9800 or visit delawarehospice.org.