A DOCTOR who helped to set up Bolton Hospice is to step-down after dedicating 23 years helping patients deal with serious illness.

Dr Barbara Downes, a consultant in palliative care and medical director at the Chorley New Road hospice, will leave her role at the end of the month.

She was appointed just before the hospice opened and was part of the team that helped to develop and establish the service.

At that time, the hospice was a new concept for Bolton, so Dr Downes’ first challenge was to develop credibility in the healthcare economy and build good working relationships with colleagues in the hospital and community.

Career highlights include a trip to St James’ Palace in 2009 to meet Queen Elizabeth II at a reception held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Help the Hospices.

But Dr Downes says the best thing about her role has been helping patients and families.

She added: “It’s a real privilege to work alongside patients and their families to try to help them face the challenges of serious illness which is shortening their life.

“Helping to make things feel a little better despite what is happening to them is hugely rewarding.

“I have enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life, not only sharing their difficulties but also sharing their better times and a sense of humour.

“Working with the whole hospice team has been a real pleasure — the hospice isn’t a one-man band, it is a team effort of clinical, administration, housekeepers, volunteers, the chaplain, catering and the fundraising team all working together.”

The long-serving staff medical director has been praised by the hospice’s current chief executive, Dr Leigh Vallance, who said: “Dr Downes has been a part of Bolton Hospice from day one back in 1992.

“Her work, compassion and professionalism has contributed to the development of this specialism which has deeply benefited literally thousands of people.

“Throughout her career she has made an extraordinary contribution to medicine and to the community and she will be sorely missed.”

Though she is stepping down from her role at the hospice, Dr Downes is adamant that she is not retiring and will continue to work three days a week at Royal Bolton Hospital.

Bolton Hospice has appointed an interim consultant, Dr Mark Kitching, and is working with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to recruit a permanent replacement for Dr Downes.