Meet our governors

Linda Radcliffe

Term expires: 2019

Declaration of interests: Member of the Labour Party and Mayor of Maryport 2015 to 2017

I believe all patients should receive the best care possible. I’m interested in everything the Trust do but particularly in improving community care.

I spent 33 years working in the NHS as a Practice Manager. I later went on to do a degree in Person Centred Counselling and worked in mental health.   

Since becoming a governor, I’ve drawn on my past career to learn about current best practices. My skills as a manager mean I’m a good problem solver and able to listen carefully to assess situations before making decisions. Being an older person I feel able to hear the points of view of other people, without necessarily having to agree with what they say.

I would like to continue to make a positive input to debates and decision-making within the Trust, particularly around best practice.

Rachael Davies

Term expires: 2019

I give an honest opinion and provide a voice for others. As a governor, I provide a different perspective and want to help the NHS to communicate better with their patients improve patient care.

I’m particularly interested in improving children’s and young adult’s services, especially for patients with disabilities. As a victim of Storm Desmond I’m also interested in disaster strategies.

I volunteer with a number of local charities and cofounded ADHD West Cumbria. I have been a trustee at a local children's centre and was Chair of governors at a local school. I am also the main carer for my youngest child who has disabilities. 

I have worked with agencies throughout Cumbria on parent carer forums to help improve services for our children. In doing so I’ve helped them to save money that would have otherwise been wasted.

Alinson McCourt

Term expires: 2020

I believe passionately in our National Health Service and want it to be preserved and nurtured in the challenging times ahead. I want to help make sure the NHS is there for the benefit of all, having seen first hand the problems people face when such an organisation is absent from their lives.

I am interested in all aspects of the Trust’s work, particularly in community health as that’s where I spent my working life. I believe that all healthcare providers should work as an integrated unit and not be viewed in isolation.

Having spent 40 years as a community pharmacist, mostly in Allerdale, my working life brought me into daily contact with the public. This has given me an insight into how people view the NHS. It also gave me the opportunity to work alongside doctors, nurses and administrators within the service.

I spent 2 years as Mayor of Aspatria and have also been Chair of governors at local schools.

Garry English

Term expires: 2019

Committees: Memberships and Communications

As an ex-Staff Nurse, I am passionate about healthcare provision in Cumbria. I want to promote the good work of our Trust staff. I am also interested in the delivery of best practice and helping to improve the safety of our environments for both staff and patients.  

I am a good listener and communicator. I can maintain privacy and dignity. As part of a team that’s visiting heath care settings, I can engage with staff and feedback their concerns and look at how we can best serve the people of Cumbria.

Elizabeth Freeman

Term expires: 2019

A governor; supports the community and the services that are essential to us all. The older community in particular need a lot of help from the Trust, especially those who live by themselves with no family to help.  

I am interested in preventative healthcare. Having been a patient, I know how busy the staff are. We have to realise this and to help in return by not disregarding advice.

For me selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership are paramount in being a governor. Otherwise I would be of no use to myself or the community. I will do my best for all the people of Cumbria, whether they live in a rural area or in a village, town or city. Thank you for voting for me.

Keith Amey

Deputy Lead Governor

Term expires: 2019

Committees: Vice Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Committee and member of the Nominations Committee

I am a Chartered Engineer and Company Director with a background in hi-tech innovation, company trouble shooting and change management. I have worked for British Rail, British Aerospace, Sellafield, Thorn and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Drawing on my experience as a trouble shooter I take an active interest in community hospital assessments, such as Patient Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE).

I believe happy staff greatly reflect on the quality of patient care, the general atmosphere and the wellbeing of our hospitals. I also like to delve into the finances - being the life blood of an organisation - and maintain a watching eye on research programmes that might improve NHS services.

I have lived and worked in Cumbria since 2002. My wife and I love the local people and the beautiful countryside. I am a member of many community organisations including groups about theatre, astronomy, French exchanges, CAMRA, fell walking and bell ringing.

Kerry-Ann Lister

Term expires: 2019

I’ve been an active governor for several years and this has given me a good knowledge and understanding of services within the Trust. I have a particular interest in the wellbeing of patients on hospital wards, their carers and families, health and safety, cleanliness and the overall appearance of the wards.

I serve on the Specialist Services Special Interest Group which looks at a variety of services including diabetes, dental, sexual health, palliative care, neurology and learning disabilities.

I have been a carer for a family member for many years and understand the importance of excellence in care for patients and their families. I have taken part in inpatient assessment visits which look at the care environment. I am also a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapies.

Carole Woodman

Term expires: 2019

Declaration of interests: Member of the Labour Party

I am interested in improving the engagement between the Trust and members of the public. I want to make sure prevention and public health are prioritised, along with the health and wellbeing of young people, and people with learning difficulties.

I was actively involved in the Success Regime and I am member of the West Cumbria Community forum. I also helped to set up Cumbria’s Voice for Heath Care and Egremont Youth Partnership, an independent charity, with a specific session for young people with learning difficulties aged 16 to 30.

I have been a foster carer and I have an adopted son with learning difficulties, Type 1 diabetes and a rare degenerative condition. This has shown me the challenges of navigating the healthcare system across all the different specialities involved in his care.

I am also on the Board of the National Centre for Remote & Rural Medicine (UCLAN).

Hilary Carrick

Term expires: 2020

Committees: Governor’s Advisory Committee

I'm a great supporter of the values of the NHS and I am passionate about ensuring that people are able to access the services they need. I am conscious of the current economic climate and the effect this is having on service delivery.

As a governor I have had the opportunity to gain a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the work of the Trust, to influence its future direction and monitor and evaluate its performance.

As a scientist by training, I am particularly interested in opportunities to review and evaluate the systems and processes currently in place. I am also interested in exploring ways to improve services and sharing best practice.

It’s crucial that the flexibility awarded to the Trust in how it delivers its services, results in efficient, high quality healthcare for all.

David Pollitt

Term expires: 2020

I want to make a positive difference in the way that patients are treated. I have been a service user for a number of years and I have experienced the ups and downs of how services are delivered. I use this experience to help make sure there are more ups than downs for the people that will use the Trust’s services in the future.

I am particularly interested in improving the aftercare of patients following hospital stays and how they are supported. I am also interested in the work of the crisis team and home treatment team.

I am involved in the learning disability biannual audit programme, visiting and auditing services with the aim of improving access for people with learning disabilities and sharing best practise.

I am involved with work for the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) and have also joined the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) representative group. I provide a patient’s perspective and bring an open and honest approach that I hope people value. 

Mike Taylor

Term expires: 2019

After long involvement with the NHS, I believe I can continue to help improve health services in Cumbria. Governors play a key role in ensuring that the Trust Board and the executives deliver the best possible health services, within their finite resources, to the county.

I have held non-executive roles in the NHS for 25 years and having been a public governor I’ve developed a good understanding of how the system works and have a good sense of how services can be improved.

I am actively involved in Cumbria’s third sector. I am the Chair of Action for Health Cumbria (a network for third sector health providers), a Trustee of both Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) and Citizens Advice Carlisle & Eden. I am also the County President of St John’s Ambulance Cumbria.

All of this work helps me to improve and extend my knowledge and understanding of the health and social needs of the county. In my working life I held responsible roles in the private sector (both in the UK and overseas). I’ve also held roles in the public and third sectors, all of which have given me a range of skills and knowledge helpful in fulfilling the role of a public governor.

Jacqueline Nicol

Term expires: 2020

I will listen to the membership and support or challenge the Board to benefit all patients and stakeholders. I have taken an interest in NHS issues for many years and believe in the vital importance of its service.

I was a public governor for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) for 4 years. In this role, I was an active member of the shadow council and gained experience and skills relevant to being a member of a governor council.

I have experience serving on committees with a number of charities. I am up to date with the issues surrounding the provision of health services in Cumbria. I am a Community First Responder for NWAS and a Heartstart instructor.

I am interested in all aspects of the Trust, particularly community health and the specialist services. Following attendance at meetings of Success Regime, I am interested in following the subsequent progress. Within specialist services I am interested in work relating to learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury rehabilitation and palliative care.

Stephen Newton

Term expires: 2019

Committees: Membership and Communications

Shahnaz Asghar

Term expires: 2019

I was a public governor with University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) for 9 years. I have significant experience to offer in improving local healthcare systems.

I would like to help change public attitudes about the NHS by improving safety and care. I am also interested in the overall patient and public experience. I want make sure that every person that uses the Trust is happy with their care and feels safe and comfortable with our staff and facilities.

I also want to make sure our staff and our local community are heard. I believe the best way to improve our services is to listen to the people and take their concerns to Governors Council in order to see real changes.

I have a background in teaching, volunteering for charities and I obtained a diploma in Child Care from the University of Kent. I have also done a lot of work to raise awareness and fundraise for dementia. I believe this is a crucial issue affecting our community.

Patricia Turton

Term expires: 2019

I spend a lot of time in hospitals both for myself and my husband so I have experience of both the patient and the carer side of things. I am also a hospital chaplaincy volunteer so I am used to talking to patients. In my role as governor I would like to help make things better for both patients and carers. I am also interested in the financial side of things.

I owned a local Post Office for 10 years and worked as a Relief Postmistress for a further 10 years. In October 2017 I was awarded a degree in psychology from the Open University.

I served on a parish council for 10 years and I currently serve on the parochial church council (PCC) at my local church. I am also on a village hall committee and treasurer for the Mother’s Union.

Jim Ring

Term expires: 2019

Declaration of interests: Member of the Labour Party

I have been a campaigner for mental health for many years and I am the South Lakes representative for Cumbria Mental Health Carers and Users Forum.

I have been actively involved as a carer in a number of mental health bodies including the Clinical Commissioning Group’s Mental Health Partnership Group, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide and the Crisis Care Concordat.

My main focus is making sure there is good continuity of care between children’s and adults mental health services. I am also particularly interested in improving community support for patients when they have been discharged from hospital.

I have many years of experience as a carer, both of my wife who suffered from depression and my brother who suffers from schizophrenia. As a rep for Cumbria Mental Health Carers and Users Forum, I have a knowledge and understanding of the issues involved in providing mental health services in Cumbria.

In addition, I am actively involved in liaising with the Kendal Integrated Care Communities (CCG) and with the new Morecambe Bay CCG.

George Butler

Term expires: 2019 

I have spent my entire career in nursing and nurse education. After training as a General Nurse at the Cumberland Infirmary, I completed 3 post-registration qualifications in Cardiothoracic Nursing at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London.

I later moved into nurse education and after holding senior nursing educational positions in Newcastle and Gateshead, I moved to south Cumbria to take up the post of Director of Nurse Education in 1986.

I have a BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies and an MA with Distinction in Community and Health Ethics. Areas of research include racism in employment practice within the NHS and racism in nursing and midwifery education. I have presented both of these topics in academic texts and at conferences.

I have been a Nurse Examiner for the General Nursing Council, English National Board, and Newcastle, Northumbria, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, Stirling and Napier Universities. I was also a Tutor with the Open University for its Health and Disease programme for almost 15 years, and then worked for them on a consultancy basis.

I am a retired magistrate having chaired adult and family courts in south Cumbria. I am also an independent member of Eden District Council’s Standards Committee.

My main motivation in becoming a governor is to do what’s best for patients. I want to help make sure we have a skilled workforce who are able to meet their daily needs both at work and at home.     

Derek Seber

Term expires: 2020

Declaration of interests: Member of the Labour Party

Before moving to Lancashire, I was a governor at Cheshire and Wirral NHS Trust. I am no keen to use my knowledge and experience of being a governor in Lancashire and help to create and support grassroots projects in urban and rural areas that address both mental and physical health.

I have organised events for seniors about dementia, financial planning in older age, residential care, enduring power of attorney, keeping fit and eating well. I’ve been involved in promoting research and in interviewing and selecting non-executive directors.

As an older person in a rural area, I'm keen to help improve health services at all levels for isolated older and disabled people in rural communities. As a service user, I am supportive of the hard work and dedication of NHS staff and I would promote the best terms and conditions of service.

I have knowledge and experience in listening, observation and problem solving. I have been a creative leader in many different situations and organisations. From responding to communal unrest in Hulme and Moss Side in 1981 as Rector of Hulme, to creating a Scarecrow Festival and Village Trust on the Wirral.

As an ethicist, I was Chair of Unilever Research Ethics Committee and have experience of dealing with complex corporate issues. I was also a fundraising trustee of Hornby Village Trust.

Governor vacancy

Would you like to help shape our health services? We’re looking for a governor to represent North East England. To find out more about becoming a public governor and to discuss current vacancies, call our Governor Support Officer Harriet Mouat on 01228 603761 or email harriet.mouat@ncic.nhs.uk

Tricia Goldwater

Term expires: 2019

As a carer and a member of staff, I want to make sure the NHS maintains a high standard of services and support for us all. By communicating the needs of the local community and listening to the views of the NHS staff at ground level, we can all get a better understanding of the changes that need to be made.

I have worked in the NHS since 1989 as a Hospice Nurse, Ward Nurse, Community Nurse and as part of the Community Young Disabled Service. I’m currently an Assistant Practitioner with the Community Rehab and Therapy Services.

I am an equality and diversity representative for the Trust and a Care Quality Commission (CQC) link for the Rehab Service. I also work with local care homes to monitor, audit and review walking aid equipment.

Jane Smith

Lead Governor Term expires: 2020

I’m your Lead Governor linking you to the Board so your voice is heard and your commitment is seen.

I'm an Allied Health Professional by background and I’m passionate about getting a fair deal for all staff groups and patients. I live and work locally and I’m determined to make sure the best services are available within the community for our families. I want to keep letting the Board know what’s getting in the way of us caring for the community we love.

I'm a carer for a son with chronic ill-health. I'll make sure that as staff, we can work in partnership to deliver the best quality care together locally. Especially when our patients have complex needs that are shared between Care Groups. I'm determined to let the Board understand the impact change has on us and for us to be seen as the solution.

As Lead Governor I've worked tirelessly on your behalf for the past 5 years. I will continue to work tirelessly to make sure we are all treated with the same kindness we show to our patients and service users when coming to work.

Robert Donlevy

Term expires: 2020

Declaration of interests: Member of the Labour Party

I believe it’s important that we as staff have the means to be heard. I’ll listen to the concerns of staff and represent them at a senior level.

With changes to our services happening across Cumbria around creating a Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP), I believe my 15 years of experience in both acute and community Trusts allows me to make a valuable contribution.

I’m particularly interested in what our organisation will look like in the future and how this will affect our patients, services and staff. I am interested in how the Trust can work collaboratively and efficiently, while also achieving high standards during times of financial constraint. Finally, I want to look at how we can consistently act in line with our values of kindness, respect, ambition and collaboration.

I have 3 years’ experience of being a staff governor in Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals Foundation Trust. As a governor there, I regularly took part in listening surgeries to hear the voices of our staff and feed concerns back to the Board. I also have a Masters in Integrated Governance.

Governor vacancy

Would you like to help shape our health services? We’re looking for a staff governor to represent Furness and South Lakeland. To find out more about becoming a staff governor and to discuss current vacancies, call our Governor Support Officer Harriet Mouat on 01228 603761 or email harriet.mouat@ncic.nhs.uk 

Alison Hampson

University of Cumbria

Term expires: 2020

I am Head of Department for Health, Psychology and Social Studies at the University of Cumbria. I joined the university in 2002 after working in the NHS for nearly 20 years.

I worked as an Occupational Therapist in Dumfries, Glasgow and Carlisle and gained experience of working with individuals with occupational performance issues caused by their medical, neurological, surgical, orthopaedic and age-related conditions.

I have significant leadership and management experience and have also worked as a medical researcher and a research therapist.

My role as a governor enables me to suggest ways the University of Cumbria can support the Trust, as well as being a voice for Allied Health Professionals.

As one of the largest providers of healthcare professionals in the North West, the University aims to enrich the lives of individuals and communities and raise aspirations in Cumbria to ensure that local residents value health and care roles. The university provides local opportunities to become health and care professionals with programmes to become nurses, midwifes, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, paramedics and radiographers, as well as continuing professional development opportunities.

I am currently studying for my Doctor of Education (EdD) at Strathclyde University and I’m due to complete it in September 2020.
 

Qualifications and memberships:

MSc, PgD, PgCE, BA (Hons), DipCOT, SFHEA
Member of the Council of Occupational Therapy Education Directors
Member of the Council of Deans of Health and a member of the Council’s Regulation Advisory Group
Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council as an Occupational Therapist
Professional member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists

I currently hold 2 external examiner posts and have been an external expert for numerous university validation events around the UK:

BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy programme at the University of East Anglia
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy programme at Queen Margaret's University

I am a Royal College of Occupational Therapists pre-registration programme accreditor.

James Porter

League of Friends

Term expires: 2021

I moved to Cumbria from Oxfordshire in 2016. I’ve always been passionate about health. I am a founding trustee of 2 charities, 1 about education and young people; the other about health and the environment. I have also served in different capacities for many other charity and voluntary organisations.

Previously I’ve been a governor at a special needs school where I had several responsible for:

• Chairing the Assets and Resources Committee
• health and safety
• asset maintenance
• renewal and capital projects

I have also been a governor at a secondary school where I served on the finance, curriculum and HR committees.

I was a local councillor for 8 years, chairing the planning committee for 4 years and then the policy committee for 3 years as Leader of the Council. I was a town mayor from 2009 to 2010. I’m a Rotarian and I also belong to the Brampton Memorial Hospital League of Friends and I’m Director Trustee at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw.

Although I’m now retired, I run my own business working with students of all ages who have either fallen behind or need an extra push. I also offer coaching and mentoring to start-up and small business. I have a degree in Education and post graduate diplomas in National and International Management and Business Excellence and Performance.

As governor, I’m passionate and committed to providing high quality community medical services to meet the needs of local people, as close to where they live as possible.