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.

The NHS is essential for everyone at some time in our lives and has been there when I needed it. I became a governor to give something back. I have been a patient, a carer, and worked in a commercial organisation supplying the NHS. I now have the time as a governor to contribute to the running of the service through representing the needs and views of the people who are served by the trust. I work to take the needs and aspirations of the people of Somerset to the heart of the trust and make constructive suggestions to the Board about how those expectations can be met within the limited resources available. It is also important to feed back to communities the reasoning behind decisions made in their interest by the Board.

I enjoyed a very interesting career in marketing, specifically, public relations within both the Aviation and Drinks industries. I was also a governor of a sixth form college, a director of Crimestoppers West of England and a member of the Taunton Crime Prevention team. For twelve years I was also a trustee of Age UK Somerset and am currently a member of a local doctor’s surgery patients' group (PPG) and a trustee of the North Taunton Partnership. I was appointed a Non-Executive Director of Musgrove Park Hospital in 2000 and following 9 years of service in that role, was elected to represent the people of Taunton Deane as a Governor of that Trust. I was re-elected when the Trust merged with Somerset Partnership to become the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and again, when it merged with the Yeovil Hospital Trust. To-date, I have spent over 23 very interesting and challenging years working within Somerset’s health industry.

I have been involved with the NHS for over 50 years as an employee, nominated governor, non-executive Director and now as Chair of the South Petherton League of Friends. I recently completed a PhD focussing on the impact of housing on the health of social rented tenants. I was Leader of South Somerset District Council from 2004-2006, Chairman of South Somerset Together (Local Strategic Partnership) and Chairman of South Petherton Parish Council. Somerset has gone through through major structural change through the creation of a new Unitary Council and the establishment of an Integrated Care System that together will bring significant opportunities to improve the care and health of everyone in Somerset. I would hope I can bring my knowledge and expertise to bear as a Governor to represent the needs and aspirations of all residents, and especially the ageing population. Apart from the roles mentioned I am a member of Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir, Ilminster Probus and a keen supporter of Welsh rugby.

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.

Born, bred and educated in Somerset, my family were for four generations the village bakers. Following three years at Cardiff studying food technology, and 10 years in the north of England managing large bakeries, I returned to Somerset with my Yorkshire-born wife and two children, to run the family bakery. I also set up a new IT company, Bakery Computing, to write and support software specifically for the bakery and food industries in the UK. Being lucky enough to live in a small village with a vibrant community, it is important to be involved. Over the years I have served as parish councillor, school governor, church warden, village hall trustee and chair of our local GPs Friends group. In the past 10 years my involvement as a volunteer with Samaritans of Taunton and Somerset has reinforced my interest in not only the improvement of, but also the need for, simplified access to support for people suffering from poor mental health. Through my practical business experience, involvement in rural community life and Samaritan ethics, I bring a practical yet empathetic view to the Council of Governors.

Having been a governor at Yeovil District Hospital for a number of years, I like to also be a governor of the Somerset foundation trust, as the Yeovil Trust will soon no longer exists. I am currently the South Somerset District Councils appointed governor, but I would like to become a governor in the new trust in my own right. I have found being a governor of Yeovil Hospital very interesting and rewarding, I would very much like to continue representing the community I live in, here in Yeovil, as having a local voice is very important. I am retired, so I can give time to being a Governor, this is very important as there is always something new to learn with meetings usually during the day time. I have my own transport so attending meetings will not be a problem, My Town and District Council career is coming to a close after 20 years, with the formation of the new Somerset Unitary Council, so I will have plenty of free time to carry out the duties of a Hospital Governor.

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.

I began my career in the NHS as a physiotherapist in Taunton working with people who had experienced strokes and other neurological conditions. This showed me the importance of involving and listening to patients and carers in decisions about healthcare services. I am now working for NHS England on NHS clinical policy for prevention and long-term conditions. This has made me aware of the need to recognise the particular health needs of people who are disadvantaged, or for whom usual healthcare doesn’t quite reach, and in the huge potential of proactive prevention. I have been a patient in the Trust, meeting its amazing staff from a patient perspective, and reinforcing to me the importance of a positive experience of care regardless of the diagnosis. I am committed to the highest quality care for patients, and recognise of the value of the clinical and non-clinical workforce, I am keen to do what I can to engender a positive, inclusive culture for staff at the Trust.

The NHS needs the support and commitment of the public it serves. I’m pleased to be a public Governor of the Somerset Foundation Trust because I believe I have the skills, experience, commitment, the time to make a positive contribution to the work of the Trust and its patients. This is a time of great opportunity for NHS patients. With much greater emphasis on patients taking care of their own health needs, the NHS has introduced a range of opportunities, such as the use of digital technology. The opportunity exists for patients to make the best use of these innovations. I was Chair of the Polden Medical Practice PPG for four years and represented the Somerset PPGs on the NHS Somerset Primary Care Committee for three years. I have Degrees in Regional Planning and Business and worked at a senior level in both public and private sectors – as a Director of the Scottish Development Agency; Deputy Chief Executive, Tyne and Wear Development Corporation; Development Director, Windex Properties and Director Property and Environment, Scottish Enterprise. For ten years I ran an economic consultancy in Exeter. Work included community and stakeholder consultation, feasibility studies, business plans, teaching and capacity building. I am married and live in Chilton Polden. My daughter and son-in-law are NHS anaesthetists in Winchester.

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.

I am retired registered mental nurse and also a global chartered management accountant. For many years I was active in the local network of CIMA and was chair of the Bristol Focus Group. I am a member of the Patient Participation Group of the East Quay Medical Centre. I frequently attend the Somerset Mental Health Stakeholder Engagement Forum. Prior to the merger of Somerset Partnership NHS and Taunton and Somerset NHS I was a governor of the Somerset Partnership NHS for three years. During my last term of office, I sat on the Strategy and Planning Working Group. During my last term of office I sat on the Strategy and Planning Working Group. I was until recently a governor of a secondary school in Bridgwater and was the Vice-Chair of the Board and also the chair of the Leadership and Management sub-committee. The Trust has done some great work during the recent difficulties, but we should not rest on our laurels. We have to make sure that the recent recognition that the NHS has been given does not get forgotten in the coming years. Its weaknesses have to be remedied and we have to ensure that it is ready the next challenge. I sincerely intend to continue the work that I started and ensure that further improvements are implemented.

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.

I became a governor to help people who have trouble helping themselves. I have spent the last 30 years of my working life with the Somerset Ambulance Service, most of it on the road, and sometimes in senior positions. I have been a town or district councillor for more than 30 years and was the Mendip District Council representative on the Somerset Community Health Council (health Watchdog) and vice chair for two years. I am now a member of Somerset Healthwatch, the local health/social care watchdog. During my years with the Community Health Council I worked with NHS partners to introduce a 24/7 service stroke service and saw community hospitals set up rehabilitation stroke units. During my 46 years with the NHS I have seen the patient's journey from the beginning to the end of life. My role as governor gives me opportunity to look more closely at the middle of life's journey and to ensure that Mendip residents receive what they are entitled to.

I’ve been involved with Somerset NHS since 1998, when I was appointed a Mental Health Act Panel Member – a service I continue to this day. Subsequently, I’ve also been a NED and governor for Somerset Partnership and, latterly, a governor for Yeovil Hospital. My background is in social work, and has included working in the fields of mental health and criminal justice ( I served as a Quaker Prison Chaplain at Shepton Mallet prison for thirteen years – a sex offenders’ prison). For twenty -two years I have lived and worked overseas in a number of countries where I experienced different health care systems. In the Caribbean I helped set up three treatment centres for adolescents, which are all still fully functioning to this day. Having lived and worked in the Mendip area for many years, I am aware that residents are concerned that all mental health inpatient facilities have been moved out of the area. I’m also aware that Frome patients fall between two ICS’ which can have it’s own potential pitfalls. I hope I can be a voice for Mendip patients in my role as governor of the newly provider integrated Trust. As I have been involved in the lead up to the merger, I hope to be able to see it through to a successful conclusion for the welfare of patients.

From 2017, I was a carer for my husband who had Motor Neurones Disease. We were supported by an amazing care team from Musgrove Park Hospital. This specialised support was crucial to the length of my husband's survival. I was given expert training by the team to support his needs. However, there were other occasions when it was necessary to step outside the care of the specialist team and be in the hands of others within Yeovil Hospital. In this respect, the care we received was not always appropriate to my husband's illness. I was encouraged by the MND nurse to become the `expert' in the room on these occasions. I had to dig deep to become more vocal and insistent on behalf of my husband. This is incredibly difficult in the presence of medical professionals. This experience has left me feeling very strongly about people having a `voice' and being part of the whole rather than external to it. In 2022, I worked as a medical receptionist and secretary. This job showed me `the other side' of the coin' with regard to General Practice. The pressures on personnel and resources were a shock. Again, I found myself thinking about the need for `voice'.

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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.

Previously, I was elected as a YDH Appointed Governor in 2015 as I was the Chairman of West Dorset District Council. I retired in 2018 but remained as Vice Chairman of the Dorset Health Scrutiny Committee. I was elected as a Public Governor for the Dorset Constituency for the YDH NHS Trust and it was the most enjoyable and satisfying job in the world. Following the merger with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, I was successfully in my nomination to become the Public Governor representing the Dorset Constituency for SFT.

I believe the role of staff governor is fundamental to ensuring the views of Trust colleagues regarding patient care and safety and the wellbeing of colleagues, is represented, to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients, our colleagues, and our Trust. I am passionate about quality improvement in order to make healthcare services the best they can be. Through the staff governor role, I will work with my fellow governors to help encourage a positive, open and transparent culture where colleagues and the people in our care, can flourish and be safe. I am a social worker by profession, and I have been an employee of the Trust since 2009. Initially as care coordinator within Community Mental Health Services, and currently as the Strategic Lead and Named Professional for Safeguarding Adults within the Trust’s Safeguarding Service. I understand the impact of the challenges involved in patient care and I am passionate about individual wellbeing. I believe that in order to provide best patient care we first need to look after ourselves, and each other. Prior to being employed by the Trust, I was employed by the Local Authority within both Children’s Social Care and Adult Learning Disability Services. The role of staff governor would be a new undertaking for me, and I am prepared to do my best to represent the ‘colleague voice’ to the Council of Governors. My professional experience has enabled me to develop skills and expertise in leadership, accountability, transparency, and inter-personal relationships. I believe these skills together with my personal experience and passion for the NHS form a sound foundation on which to succeed at this wonderful opportunity. It will be a great honour to serve my colleagues as staff governor.

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

I believe patient and staff voices are important in shaping the Trust. As a governor, I want to amplify those voices and help service users and staff be heard. I want to play a role in moving our services towards better integration. Recognising the importance of acute and community hospitals, community services and intermediate care within our neighbourhoods. Working as a community and ward physiotherapist I come face to face with patients, their families, and service users on a daily basis. Furthermore, working with colleagues and coming into contact with a wide range of Trust employees puts me in a great position to represent their views as well as my own.

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 as a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at YDH and have been a member of the trust since 2010. In this time, I have observed change in the organisation, had opportunity to engage in clinical and managerial roles as a consultant driving change and development for my team as a clinical director. I had opportunities to lead the minority ethnic network 11/2018 -09/2021 during which time I actively engaged with the executive leadership to review our WRES data, leading to active change in the education support and career support to overseas staff, participation in the HR review process to introduce just culture measures in disciplinary processes and continue to actively champion just processes for both colleagues and patients as service users. As clinical director for my department, I oversaw continued support to colleagues through COVID whilst maintaining safe services and working with senior managers to implement change which has equipped me with ability to engage with senior leadership to represent staff concerns. I am an educator participating in both undergraduate and postgraduate education as Undergraduate dean, and tutor, accessible to different staff members equipping me to be accessible to represent them. As part of my leadership journey, completing the NHS WRES expert course which is given me more insight in NHS leadership, the NHS people agenda that fits into Trust ethos of kindness, respect, teamwork and as a staff governor I would like to positively contribute to the promotion of these virtues and organisational development with staff input being represented.

I have been a registered nurse for over 30 years and moved to Somerset approximately 18 years ago and have worked at Yeovil Hospital for all of that time. I currently hold the position of Nurse Director for the Yeovil Acute Site. I care passionately about our patients and the NHS and I am committed to ensuring that staff and colleagues have a voice that will support and empower them to deliver the highest level of care and service. I believe that through sharing a variety of views and experiences we can offer real alternatives to some of the complexities of delivering health care across Somerset. Please get in touch if you have something you would like me to raise on your behalf.

I am a doctor, an anaesthetist, and I have been at Yeovil for nearly 15 years. I have spent the last few years looking after severe covid-19 patients on the Intensive Care Ward, so I know how horrible it’s been for many NHS staff.

I have volunteered my spare time to Musgrove Park Hospital since 2010 when I joined the then hospital radio station, Apple FM; on average giving over 30 hours a week. I have also spent a few years with the League of Friends as one of the charity's executives. Importantly, I spent a few years as a publicly elected governor for the former Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. I believe that the newly formed Somerset NHS Foundation Trust can deliver the very best services to the community it serves, but it needs guidance from people with staff experience and viewpoint. I am a service-user of the Trust and I believe I can bring energy, enthusiasm and a passion for helping to make OUR hospital and Trust the best in the South West with careful and considered scrutiny of spending and policy. I am extremely approachable and believe wholeheartedly in the Community the Trust serves being represented and that the Trust be answerable to its Members.

I have been with the Trust since 2009, starting as a nurse and advancing to the role of Sister in a complex outpatient department and theatre. During this time, I fostered strong relationships with diverse health professionals. In 2019, I became a first BAME Network Lead for the Trust. Through my efforts, the network has grown to encompass 320 members. Working collaboratively, we have devised action plans that have made significant strides in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation. In 2021, I became an Inclusion Lead. Moreover, I hold two national positions: as a Workforce Race Equality Standard expert and as the lead of the Southwest Chief Nursing Officer & Chief Midwifery BAME Strategic Advisory Group. These roles allow me the opportunity to actively listen and learn about the concerns of internationally trained colleagues across the Southwest region. I have effectively addressed colleague concerns by implementing impactful actions that bring about tangible change. As a dedicated staff member with diverse skills and experiences, I possess a profound passion for creating an inclusive work environment, driving positive transformation, and enhancing healthcare outcomes for both our patients and colleagues. I am committed to representing the voices of our colleagues.

I am a vibrant, empathetic, versatile and resourceful mental/health nurse with valuable experience in identifying and finding solutions to clients’ actual and potential problems. I have accumulated substantial experience not only in the therapeutic use of self in caring for persons with mental, neurological and substance use disorders {MNS} but also in advocating for better treatment and friendlier policies to improve their health status and dignity. I have developed dexterity in assessing and treating persons across various age groups with MNS, utilizing standardized nursing tools and languages in accordance with internationally acceptable standards and in conformity with ethical and professional standards. I have also served professional nursing organizations in various capacities. I have a track record of making robust representation for people especially the working class. I am committed to making a robust representation for all staff group especially on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues as this is a vital ingredient for creating a healthy environment for the development and advancement of the Trust and the NHS as a whole. I hope to see Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) develop into a model Trust and a safe space for equalities (women, disabled, LGBTQI and minority ethnic). My objective is to contribute my bit in making SFT enhance her performance and make meaningful impact by harnessing and utilizing all available resources most especially human and maximize them for optimal functioning.

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 a Professor in clinical nursing at the University of Plymouth. Before I moved to Plymouth in 2014, I worked in the Netherlands as a nurse for over 35 years. I received my PhD from the Medical Faculty of the Erasmus University Rotterdam. My main research lines are related to patient and family empowerment and involvement in health care as well as end-of-life care practices, paediatric sepsis, and issues improving dementia care. I combine my academic work between the University and two NHS trusts; Musgrove and Derriford Hospital. I am the director of the Clinical School at Musgrove Park Hospital. The aim of the Clinical School is to build research capacity and develop a research culture in clinical settings. Previously I have been involved in strategic and advisory roles from establishing a nursing advisory board to an expert in various court cases.

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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.