New Governors attend their first meeting
This week, 3 newly elected Governors attended their first Council of Governors meeting. Their attendance follows their recent election by Trust members to represent local communities.
Foundation Trust Governors play a vital role in ensuring NHS organisations remain accountable to the public. They represent the views of members and local people in key decisions.
The new Governors bring a broad mix of expertise to the role; from professional expertise to lived experience. All are keen to improve healthcare across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Tia Bilkey is about to move to a new role in the Trust. She has held a variety of admin roles in mental health and digital services. Supported by the Trust, Tia is studying for a chartered management degree apprenticeship. She said:
"My apprenticeship sparked my interest in quality improvement and strategic development. I am passionate about increasing productivity and hope to be an advocate for this as a staff governor."
Members elected Paul Ford and Sarah Barker to represent the East Cornwall constituency.
Paul returns to the Governor role. He brings experience from his career as a company director in the security industry. Since moving to Cornwall 12 years ago, he has been an active member of the community as chair of his GP surgery's local patient participation group. He also chairs the East Cornwall patient participation umbrella group. He said:
"The NHS's 10 Year Plan aims, among other things, to bring care back into the community. As a Governor, I see one of my duties as ensuring the patient's voice is heard. I am very much looking forward to my term as Governor."
Sarah Barker's commitment to inclusion and wellbeing attracted her to the role. She is keen to use her role as a Governor to amplify the voice of people with lived experience. She said:
"I care deeply about inclusion, wellbeing and making sure the voices of people with lived experience are heard. I hope to bring creativity, empathy and community insight to the role while supporting the Trust to deliver the best possible care for people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly."
Staff members also chose Sam Huczmann to represent his colleagues. Sam was not at the March meeting, as he is visiting New Zealand, Fiji, Australia and Canada after being awarded a Churchill Fellowship.
Sam is a key member of the team on the Isles of Scilly. He has helped to deliver the islands' integrated health and social care facility. He is keen to share this frontline clinical knowledge with his fellow Governors. Sam said:
"The project to deliver an integrated health and social care facility on the Isles of Scilly has given me good insight into what is possible and how to influence change for the benefit of our patients. I cannot wait to share that knowledge with my fellow Governors as a frontline voice."
Governors appointed Penny Phillips as their Lead Governor. Stephanie Pomeroy previously held this role. She has now left the Council of Governors after serving the maximum term.
Membership of the Trust is free and open to anyone aged 16 and over. Members can stand in future elections to become Governors.