Meet Our Council of Governors

I have spent my adult life caring for people, undertaking my nurse training in London at Great Ormond Street and the Middlesex Hospitals. I spent many years district nursing and developed the community liaison department within Musgrove Park Hospital. I have managed a 40-bedded nursing home, achieving the Investors in People award in six months, and have been a clinical advisor for NHS England on long term care appeal panels for the last ten years. I am very involved in the community, having set up and run a community lunch for the over 60s. I started the Good Neighbourhood Scheme in Stogumber with the Community Council and the scheme has now been rolled out across Somerset. I am a member of the village hall committee, a member of the Parochial Church Council and the Patient Participation Group at Williton Surgery. I enjoy gardening, walking my dogs and when I have time painting and upholstery; I especially enjoy my small grandchildren who live nearby. I was a governor at Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and know how important links are with the community. As governor of Somerset NHS, I want to represent the people of West Somerset and ensure all their health needs are met mental and physical health.

I stood and was elected as a Public Governor some four years ago. I was already Chairman of the very active Wellington Medical Centre Patient Participation Group and had set up a patient transport group. It was suggested to me that I might stand as a SFT Governor for my area and I welcomed the opportunity so that I might offer support as requested to our very excellent Trust. My professional background has been very much involved with the voluntary sector, having spent 30 years with the National Federation of Women’s Institutes at its London HQ with the last 10 years as Deputy Principal at the, sadly closed, Adult Education College in Oxfordshire. My late husband and I then moved to Somerset for family reasons and I became Administrator for the Taunton Abbeyfield Society which included being involved in a new Abbeyfield build in the town. I was also appointed Company Secretary of the Somerset Building Preservation Trust which deals with the restoration of historic buildings in the County. I am now fully retired and I devote my life to voluntary work. We are so fortunate with the manner in which our SFT is run both by the professionals and volunteers. I enjoy every minute of my time as a Governor.

I was born, raised, and have lived in Taunton for most of my life. I have spent most of my career in the technology and telecommunications sectors, including working with the NHS in Oxford. As such, I have witnessed firsthand the enormous digital transformation the health sector has undergone over the last thirty years. As a person with a long-term chronic health condition, and alongside my family’s experiences with healthcare, including caregiving, I believe I can bring lived experiences to the role of public governor. In my spare time, and when my health allows, I enjoy walking my dogs, gentle gardening, and, when I have time, overland touring on my motorbike and competitive sailing.

Originally from the East Riding of Yorkshire, at the tender age of 15½ I joined the RAF as a Boy Entrant qualifying as an avionics engineer and progressed through the ranks leaving the service in 1993. I served at various stations around the country and overseas including the Far East and Germany. In 1989 I was awarded the BEM in the New Years honours list for duty to the service and for my voluntary work in the local community. After leaving the RAF in 1993 I took up a post as technical author in Yeovil working for Westland Helicopters (now Leonardo). Whilst at Westland I gained a diploma in Safety and Health and sat on the Health and Safety Committee until my retirement in 2010. Having lived and worked in Yeovil for over 30 years I became involved with the NHS when working with the hospital radio which led me to be become a volunteer and was a Governor at YDH from 2018 until the merger. In addition, I am currently vice-chair of Preston Grove PPG. I have also been a Governor with STF from 2022 and looking ahead eager to face the future challenges by representing the membership and I hope to actively contribute positively to the team.

As a Yorkshire girl having moved to the West Country several years ago, I trained in general nursing along the way. Ran my own Nursing Home for 14 years. Changed direction to become a South Somerset District Councillor and for 10 years Chair of Scrutiny and Overview with particular interest in Social Housing and Troubled Families in deprived rural areas. Having been a partnership governor at Musgrove Park Hospital and now a Public Governor for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, my hope is to continue to support Somerset Rural Areas in all aspects of Health and Wellbeing in the Community.

Having spent almost 30 years with the International Mining Industry as a Mineral Economist, I come to the Trust from a completely different commercial sector. However, there are areas of commonality between Healthcare and Mining; not least that the Mining companies are primary providers of health care to their thousands of employees but also to local communities in parts of the world where something like the NHS just does not exist. My doctorate in Financial Engineering prepared me for the task of regularly advising the Mining Executives at EXCO and Board levels. On a quarterly basis, I researched and presented long term metal price forecasts for use in the Companies’ financial modelling, long term project evaluations and decision making. This implies that, of particular interest to me, is the long term needs of future healthcare and the associated strategies and logistics. On a weekly basis, I also volunteer In YDH as a mealtime companion. This regular interaction with staff, teams, patients and their families gives me invaluable insights into the workings of the hospital. These daily experiences help me put into perspective my role as a Governor in support of everything the Trust is charged with as it delivers such an essential service to Somerset.

I got involved in a community campaign to save Yeovil Hospital’s emergency stroke unit (HASU) from closure, in spring 2023... NHS Somerset ICB had announced plans to reconfigure Somerset’s stroke services; public consultation followed. Despite huge opposition, the ICB voted unanimously (January 2024) to close Yeovil HASU. In voting to close Yeovil HASU, the ICB are making a terrible mistake; a decision that will adversely impact hundreds of future stroke patients in south Somerset. For 35 years I have lived in Yeovil, working variously as a broadcast journalist; independent filmmaker; FE/HE college lecturer; and trade union activist. I am committed to "fighting the health corner" for our community. Both my children were born in YDH. I, and other close family members, have been in-patients. I am married to an NHS occupational therapist. I care deeply about how public health care is accessed by the 600,000+ people who live in Somerset. As a public governor I hope to bring my life experience and professional judgement to: • bring outside scrutiny to the decisions of the SFT board; • collectively hold directors to account. • feedback public concern on matters of health. • be a "critical friend"; helping (and challenging) SFT to deliver vital health services for us all.

The merger between Taunton and Somerset and Somerset Partnership is an exciting opportunity to benefit the care that all patients receive. It is a privilege to act as a public governor for the new trust, as it has been to be a Musgrove governor for the past eight years. The NHS is going through a period of change and it is important that the voice of the public is heard and taken into account when decisions are being made about future healthcare in Somerset. As a governor of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and as chair of Healthwatch Somerset I have the opportunity to do this. I am chair of the Quality and Patient Experience Group, which listens to the concerns that patients and the public may have and bringing them to the attention of the executive team. I am a member of my surgery's Patient Participation Group, so am aware of local healthcare issues.

Throughout my working life I have been involved with improving patient outcomes by enhancing the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals, developing independent education programmes across many therapy areas and am a published co-author on Guiding Principles of Continuing Medical Education in Europe. I see being a governor as a potential extension of improving patient outcomes. I am an associate hospital manager at a private mental unit, reviewing patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act, recently joining the trust in a similar role. Mental health is a major challenge and my exposure to the medical, social, financial and legal aspects of mental health as well as direct involvement with often particularly challenging patients I believe will be of value my role as governor.

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After my career at a senior level in Education I have spent the past two decades supporting disadvantaged and marginalised groups in the UK and abroad. As well as working with Citizens Advice for 14 years I have held roles with the Red Cross, Alzheimer’s Society, Macmillan and Shelter. I was a coordinator with my local community transport group (Seriol Good Turn Scheme) which helped the elderly and people with Long Term Conditions access health appointments and social activities. I have been involved with a self-help programme run by the Social Prescribing Team of my local Primary Care Network in Dorset. I am currently supporting the MS Society advice line service covering Sherborne and Yeovil areas, which has highlighted some issues for Dorset patients using Yeovil Hospital. My previous 6 years’ experience as a Public Governor at a Specialist NHS FT in Liverpool has given me insight into the roles, responsibilities and value of the Governor role. I introduced a Mentoring Programme for new Governors. Governors were a key part of the connection between their areas and the Trust. Working with a wide variety of disadvantaged groups has shown me the clear connection between deprivation and poor health outcomes. It is encouraging that there is a renewed focus on the effects of inequality on people’s health. It would be a privilege to be part of that focus to ensure that patients get the care and the voice that they need.

I have spent the last 17 years working with the Patient Transport Service at South Western Ambulance Service and I was a staff governor too. I retired 18 months ago and I am now a councillor on Weston-super-Mare Town Council. I was the mayor of Weston too in 2016/17. When we attend hospital for any appointments or to be admitted for an operation, you and I are their customers. As customers we need to know how our hospital is run and that we have the confidence that any of our concerns are listened to. As a governor I want to use my experience in talking and listening to the concerns of patients to make improvements at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

I have been a consultant anaesthetist in the Trust since 2007. I actually started as a novice anaesthetist here back in 1999. Following subsequent registrar and sub-specialty training in Bristol, I returned in 2007. I have undertaken a number of directorate and Trust roles, most recently taking over as CSL for anaesthesia in 2020. The last few years have been a challenge for us all. I remain firmly of the opinion that our staff are our MOST important element - way above our 'space' (beds, theatres etc), 'stuff' (equipment etc), or 'SOPS' (protocols and procedures). We must never lose sight of this as we face post COVID 'recovery' of our patient services together. My guiding principle with respect to healthcare is simple - "If it isn't good enough for my family or friends, it isn't good enough for the patient in front of me". I believe my grounding in our organisation (over many years!) gives me a sound base to contribute positively and challenge with candour when required, in this role as a Staff Governor

First and foremost, I have a deep commitment to this organisation and to the wellbeing of all our staff. I am passionate about ensuring that every member of our team feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. As a Staff Governor, I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our voices are heard and that our interests are represented at all levels of the organisation. I have a strong track record of leadership and have been involved in several successful initiatives within the organisation which have given me the privilege of working with so many different staff groups and teams. Through these experiences, I have developed a keen understanding of our organisational culture, values, and priorities. I am committed to continuing my work on behalf of staff, building on the progress we have made and working collaboratively with management to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

I work within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, where I am dedicated to providing compassionate care and supporting the wellbeing of both patients and staff. As a Staff Governor, I represent the views and concerns of healthcare support staff, ensuring their voices are heard in the Trust’s decision-making processes. I am passionate about advocating for improvements in patient care, staff wellbeing, and working conditions. By contributing to the governance of the Trust, I aim to foster a positive and inclusive environment where all staff feel valued and supported. My goal is to work collaboratively with colleagues and senior leaders to help shape an NHS that is both responsive and continually improving, benefiting both staff and patients alike.

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For the last 11 years I have run a company that supplies temporary warehouse buildings, and before that I was in operational management in charities and companies. I moved to Street in the summer of 2015 with my dog Fred and since then I have also been actively involved in the community as volunteer co-ordinator at Strode Theatre, treasurer for Houndwood Community Group where I live, and now as councillor for Mendip District Council and Street Parish Council. I am an executive member at Mendip Council, and lead on community health services. At the start of my career I worked in public and private sector organisations, principally in training and development. After about 10 years, I was able to spend time as a volunteer with Citizens Advice which opened my eyes to the challenges many of us face daily. I believe that good healthcare, social care and education should not be dependent upon where you live and how much you earn. On a more personal note, I have benefitted hugely from the NHS, with my treatment of a rare cancer and the excellent care given to my late-mother. I bring to this role, experience in working with trustee boards, both as an executive officer and a board member, and I will be conscientious and committed to the role.

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I am the Chief Executive of Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) which works collaboratively with partners across the statutory, voluntary and commercial sectors to embed the physical and mental health benefits of movement, sport and physical activity at all stages of life from pregnancy to frailty. I have a passion for people centric work, positive work cultures and a trauma informed approach. This has come from multiple work roles across England and Wales including some time at Sport England as a senior officer. I am delighted to become a governor with Somerset Foundation Trust to understand and learn more about the work and challenges of the Trust. I hope to ensure that the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector services are able to support our NHS colleagues and work to help to provide excellent levels of service but also to ensure that the workforce is positively supported to continue to provide these levels of service at a time of unprecedented demand.

I have worked in the Charity sector for the last 25 years and am now Chief Executive of the Community Council for Somerset, well known in Somerset for our Village Agent programme as well as our other community development work. I have been appointed by colleagues in the VCFSE sector as a representative for the many thousands of groups of all sizes that help to shape and support our Somerset communities. I look forward to strengthening community links and voices within such an important part of our health and wellbeing system. As a single parent whose career has included working with many diverse parts of our community, many of whom struggle regularly against health inequalities I am passionate about ensuring access to health support for everyone, when and where they need it. Most of all, I believe in the power of collaboration and working together to deliver real change for people in Somerset.

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