LauraLynn is the only children’s hospice providing support and palliative care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across Ireland, with care delivered in the hospice, at hospital, in the community, or in the family home.
Kerry is a longstanding member of the LauraLynn team. She was initially recruited to the Physiotherapy Department in 2012 and progressed through the organisation to the role of Head of Operations in 2016. She has over 15 years experience working as a healthcare professional within the healthcare sector, not-for-profit and voluntary sectors. Her healthcare management and leadership skills are underpinned by an extensive clinical background in Physiotherapy and Paediatrics, along with strong clinical research and teaching experience as a former annual lecturer at RCSI and within the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).
Niall McHugh, Chairman of LauraLynn, welcomed the appointment by commenting: "We’re delighted to have Kerry step into the role of CEO here in LauraLynn. Kerry brings six years Executive Management experience within LauraLynn to her new role. Kerry was intrinsically involved in the development of our strategy. This in-depth knowledge and her understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead will be of great value to the organisation as we seek to move forward to realise the ambition for growth and excellence that the strategy embodies while also navigating the barriers and issues that the post-COVID environment will put in our path."
Kerry McLaverty, new LauraLynn CEO, added: "I’m really excited to take on this new challenge within LauraLynn. I am passionate about the work we do in LauraLynn, the people and families we support and our driven workforce and volunteers who make it all happen. Together we have done so much to improve the lives of children with life-limiting conditions and their families across Ireland and there is so much more we need to do. I am delighted to lead the organisation in this next phase as we continue to do so.’"
Since opening September 2011, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice has cared for more than 450 children and their families. The hospice currently provides support to 156 children with life-limiting conditions, with an additional 65 families receiving bereavement support. It costs €5m per year to run LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice, €4.6m of that must be generated through fundraised income from events and activities.
