A new chapter has opened up for Shalom House, St. David's - the first palliative care respite/daycare centre in Pembrokeshire.

Renate Thome, director of services, recently handed over the keys to Dr. Rob Jones, who takes on the post of medical director on September 1. 

Renate has led Shalom through a crucial part of its development. Seconded by the University of Wales, Swansea, she was instrumental in preparing Shalom for its opening to patients in November 2007, and responsible for its operation since then.

At a farewell evening, she was presented with gifts on behalf of the trustees, staff and volunteers by Dr. Jones and Helen Price, manager and clinical nurse specialist. 

Chairman of trustees, Arwel Davies, said that thanks to Renate, Shalom can look forward to a new chapter in its history.

"What she has achieved with the help of staff and volunteers is astonishing. We could not have contemplated two years and three months ago that we would be standing here, with the building open and providing such a much-needed service for patients," he said.

"Over the last two years, Renate has set a goal, and aimed for it, and that is why Shalom has been a fantastic success.

"We now look forward to building on that success. We have a fantastic team of staff and volunteers and we look forward to the future with Dr. Jones and the team."

Renate said she knew she was leaving Shalom in the best of hands and was delighted that Dr. Jones, a volunteer at Shalom for some time, was taking over as medical director. 

She expressed thanks for all the advice and support she had received from Shalom's founder Margaret Burnett, the management committee, staff and volunteers.

Shalom would now be moving forward as an application has been submitted for registration to provide 24-hour care at Shalom.

Renate described her time at Shalom as 'an amazing experience and very special'. This reflected what Shalom was all about and what it was able to give to the patients, she said.

"Thank you for having confidence in me and allowing me to take this amazing journey with you," she added.