Meet our Council of Governors

Elected for three years from 2025. 

 Why did you want to be a governor? 

Since 1948, the NHS has been an invaluable asset to our nation in providing health and wellbeing to the population, I am optimistic that current and future development of new treatments, services and digital technology will further improve our life experience. However, the NHS must be accessible to all, regardless of physical or mental disability, age or income. I am standing for election as a Governor of the Trust as I would like to work with other Governors, Health Care staff and patients to make the services and expertise within the Trust accessible to all using modern technology.

 What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

I am visually Impaired and over many years have experienced the good and not-so- good of the NHS as a patient. However, I have always been grateful for the existence of the NHS. I feel that I could make a valuable contribution to the Trust going forward. Over the years I have asked the opinions of staff. I am a good listener and the views of all who work at the ‘coal face’ along with patients need to be heard. I spent many years as a senior software engineer which is why I feel that a future digital NHS would offer a better outcome and experience for patients.

 Declaration of Interests 

Dorset HealthCare Expert by Experience . 

Elected for three years from 2025. 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I want to be a governor to help shape mental health services that truly reflect the needs of our diverse communities. My own experience with mental health began after giving birth to my son at a young age. Coming from a Caribbean background, mental health was rarely spoken about and often seen as a weakness. This made it difficult to access support that felt safe or culturally understanding. I want to use my voice to ensure others don’t face the same barriers. I believe that by listening to lived experiences and embracing cultural awareness, we can create services that are not only effective, but compassionate, inclusive, and empowering.

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

I bring lived experience, cultural insight, and a deep commitment to inclusive mental health care. My personal journey has given me a strong understanding of how vital it is to provide support that respects an individual’s background, beliefs, and environment. I’m a trained Mental Health First Aider and have supported colleagues and communities through compassionate listening and signposting. I also work in communications, which has strengthened my ability to advocate clearly and effectively. I believe in the power of diverse voices and inclusive decision-making. As a governor, I would bring empathy, cultural awareness, and a passion for helping Dorset Healthcare deliver services that are truly person-centred and responsive to the needs of all.

Declaration of interests 

None. 

Elected for three years in 2022. 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I have been working with the NHS as an Expert by Experience (EbyE) for several years, during this time I have learnt about the NHS and its many policies. This has led to me require a better understanding of the whole process and workings of the NHS from a senior management point of view. I am also interested in raising awareness of the needs and issues that unpaid carers face day to day, including their mental health and well-being. I feel that the insight I can offer may eventually help to lead to some changes in policies and procedures that could be of benefit to the carer, medical professional, and the patient.

What skills do you feel you could bring to the role? 

I have been an unpaid carer for many years, starting as a young carer to my sister with Downs Syndrome, I'm still her carer. Over the past 16 years caring for both my sister and my stepfather who had Dementia. The knowledge and skills I have gained over these disabilities has enabled me to become an EbyE and explain the conditions to help others. As an EbyE I enjoy working with new recruits and raising awareness for these patients and the problems carers' face. Also helping staff to understand how carers can be an asset to the medical profession and allowing that person to live their lives regardless of disability. I have made Webinar for professionals during Covid. 

Declaration of interests 

None. 

Elected for three years 2023 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I wished to give back to Dorset HealthCare, which has been instrumental in successfully helping to heal members of my immediate family. A governor is required to understand the patient experience, identify priorities for the improvement of quality services and to engage with Trust members and the general public. I have been actively involved in community engagement  for the last 18 years. I come from a medical family – my father was a surgeon and my mother a theatre sister, and I am more than aware of the multiple issues in the operation of an NHS trust and the stresses that people in the medical world experience on a day-to-day basis.  

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

My research interests include health law, renewable energy policy and law, mining waste, the Water Framework Directive, environmental liability, nature conservation law, rights to nature and sustainable development and its applicability in the UK legal system. Public engagement in a wide variety of decision-making processes is at the heart of my research. Collaborating with public bodies is also something that I'm quite used to, as I contributed to the Catalan Government's environmental policy as an advisor to the President of the Generalitat of Catalunya. 

Declaration of Interests 

None. 

Elected for one year from 2025 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

Having previously spent five years as a Governor of a specialist neurosciences NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool, I not only understand the role and responsibilities of a Governor but also appreciate the importance  of Governors in ensuring that the Trust responds to the health concerns of the community it serves.

As a member of several voluntary organisations in Dorset and of my local GP ‘s Patient Participation Group, I would hope to bring local insight to the Trust's healthcare provision.

The new NHS 10 Year Plan will require the Trust to operate in a changing and challenging healthcare environment. The Council of Governors will have an important role in holding the Board to account. 

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

I have a good understanding of the health issues of a broad range of people.  

After retiring as a College Principal, I spent eight years working with disadvantaged groups in the UK, India, Thailand and Canada.

Subsequently, I was involved in healthcare policy and practice as a lay member of a Healthcare Inspectorate, as Vice Chair of a Community Health Council and as a lay member of the body regulating and inspecting post-graduate medical training.  I was Chair of the Patient and Lay Group at the Royal College of Surgeons and a patient representative on the British Medical Association’s Patient Liaison Group, UK Consultants Committee and UK GP Committee. 

Declaration of interests 

Trustee, Volunteer Centre, Dorset.

Elected for three years from 2025 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

TI work in the NHS and have done so for 27 years, as a hospital doctor. I think the job of governor is a vital check, firstly to keep the NHS organisations accountable to the patients they should serve, to ensure the needs of the patients are at the centre of every decision. Also, the governors must hold the managers and executives to account, to make sure the services which the patients need, are always the main focus of what the NHS does. 

 What skills do you feel you could bring to the role? 

I have been a Trust governor previously, in Somerset, and served out a full term, gaining experience for myself of attending the various meetings and committees, of scrutinising the work of management, of challenging decision making to keep the patients at the centre of the plans, Of asking tough questions, to make sure the needs of local people are never overlooked.

Declaration of interests 

None. 

Elected for three years 2025 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I am standing for election to continue my commitment to Dorset Healthcare, where I proudly served as a Governor during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience gave me insight into the vital role Governors play in shaping services, holding the Trust Board to account, and ensuring the voices of local people are heard.

My previous tenure taught me how valuable it is for Trusts to work collaboratively with communities, and I am enthusiastic about bringing back my experience and renewed perspective to support growth and innovation. As someone with both strong local roots and ongoing clinical training, I am well-placed to be a constructive and forward-thinking voice on the Council.

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

Since completing my term, I have continued to build my clinical and academic career. I hold a First Class BSc (Hons) in Medicine and received the Principal’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence, awarded to the top graduating student in the medical faculty. I am now completing my MBBS degree and have presented my research on paediatrics, medical education, and healthcare workforce planning at national and international conferences. 

I am passionate about improving child health outcomes and hope to specialise in paediatric allergy. Through completing NHS Leadership Academy’s Edward Jenner Programme, I developed a strong understanding of compassionate leadership and quality improvement, skills I believe are essential for this role.

Declaration of interests 

None. 

Elected for three years 2025 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I have some available time and believe I can make a positive contribution to the hospital in these times of change and challenge.  I have previously worked in the hospital and wish to give back to the NHS the benefit of my own life experiences.

Since retiring from the hospital I have become a Magistrate in Family Court and deal with difficult and sensitive issues on a regular basis.

I feel I have a different range of skills and wish to contribute more for the benefit of others.

I am a good listener and a doer and I know I can make a difference being a governor.

What skills do you feel you could bring to the role? 

I have extensive experience working within the NHS in Bournemouth both in front line care duties in A & E and a qualified Midwife and Supervisor of Midwives which included investigating Adverse Incidents. I have also been a school Governor.

Since my retirement, I have become a Magistrate (JP) and am now Family Panel Chair in the Family Court in Dorset.  My wide-ranging experience has allowed me to develop strong skills in attention to detail, communication, decision making and making the welfare of families a priority.

I am a good team member and feel I can provide an effective contribution to the future direction of the trust and significant advocate for patient's. 

Declaration of interests 

Magistrate Dorset Family Bench.

Re-elected for three years 2023 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

During my time I have found it to be a most interesting roll albeit with a considerable learning curve and I would very much like to continue as a Trust Governor in order to further and be a more effective member.

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

The skills I bring to this role includes my activities as a Council Chairman for the past 13 years effectively dealing with all manner of matters for the public. I am also involved with Action for Children and am on the Dorset Nightspot board which involves hosting homeless teenagers, funding and promotional work.

I am also able to learn a great deal of useful information from my daughter who is currently studying for a master’s degree in music therapy.

Declaration of Interests 

None. 

Elected for three years in 2024 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

Having retired from the NHS I felt I still had a lot to offer - and had the time to do it. I enjoyed chairing the Salisbury Primary Medical Care Committee, where we worked with consultants to improve the patient journey. The NHS is undergoing another raft of changes following legislation introducing integrated care systems and while this is a huge opportunity to transform health and care, ensuring services are available closer to home, it comes at a time when services are stretched to the limit. It’s important we keep people’s needs at the centre of our focus when considering such change. In order to succeed, all the elements of the NHS must work together and I believe my skill set and experience will be invaluable in supporting Dorset HealthCare to evolve and deliver patient-focused services for the future, working seamlessly with system partners within the county.   

What skills do you feel you could bring to the role? 

I was a GP for 25 years, was a founder of the South Wiltshire out-of-hours service   and a director of Wilcodoc, which successfully ran the walk-in centre in Salisbury. I am able to bring people and teams together to achieve shared outcomes through being pragmatic and fair. I was a member of Wiltshire (subsequently Wessex) Local Medical Committee for 24 years, so come with a lot of experience of the wider issues within primary, community and secondary care. In my role as an occupational health physician (for 15 years) for Centreparcs/Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group/ Salisbury Council, I dealt with corporate structures and HR departments, so am well-rehearsed in managing organisational relationships.  

Declaration of Interests 

None. 

Elected for three years in 2024 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

Being a governor is an opportunity to continue a professional working relationship in healthcare, but from a different and more privileged perspective than previously. Utilising my life experiences, knowledge and skills to represent the people who use Dorset HealthCare services, I am committed to the task. Being honest, kind and caring is part of who I am. I always make time to listen to others, taking their viewpoints seriously and recognising that, for many people, it is hard to speak up and articulate ideas and concerns. Possessing skills in strategic influencing strategies, while also understanding the motivations and goals of others, I aim to optimise health care improvements as a governor.  

What skills do you feel you could bring to the role? 

My experience includes 40 years as a registered mental health nurse working in a wide range of clinical services and executive leadership roles. I’m currently working in nursing education, co-producing projects with service users, carers and staff, and am highly skilled in developing internal and external working partnerships in healthcare. I’m trained in research methodology, ‘After Action Review’, quality improvement, data and performance management, and can process large amounts of complex health information, including finance reporting. I’m experienced at chairing meetings and am confident to speak up, advocate and represent others in a public forum. My experience also makes me skilled at working in teams and managing complex team relationships. 

Declaration of Interests 

None. 

Re-elected for three years  2024 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

The NHS is in crisis. There are no easy answers. I was an Anaesthetic and ICU Consultant locally for 30 years. In addition to my clinical work, I managed the Operating Theatres and for 5 years was Trust Medical Director at the RBH.  I have always had a close association with Wimborne Hospital - as a clinician and as Chair of the Clinical Advisory Group - and have witnessed at first hand the tremendous value of high-quality services provided locally. Investment in local healthcare is crucial to addressing the shortfall in NHS capacity. I was previously a Governor of DHC and want to use my experience and enthusiasm to help guide and implement such development.

What skills do you feel you could bring to the role? 

Katie and I have lived in Dorset since 1990 and have raised three sons. As well as being a doctor I have accessed local healthcare as a patient, father and husband and appreciate its quality. I have extensive experience of the provision of secondary hospital healthcare and how it interacts with primary care. As Clinical Director and as Trust Medical Director I have management and Board experience. I was a Governor of DHC for 3 years from 2018. I am a Trustee on the Friends of Wimborne Hospital. Since retiring I have supported the COVID vaccination program - 13,000 vaccines given and counting!  It would be a privilege to represent people in Dorset again as Governor.

Declaration of Interests 

None. 

I am Chief Executive of the Dorset Mental Health Forum, a peer-led independent local charity which promotes wellbeing and recovery in Dorset. 

Integral to the Forum’s work is partnership working with the local NHS and statutory agencies, ensuring that lived experience of mental health problems is at the heart of all service design and provision in Dorset. 

I have personal experience of mental health problems and lead a growing team of peers utilising their expertise alongside mental health professionals. 

✉ Email Becky - becky.aldridge@nhs.net 

Deirdre is chair of the Friends of Swanage Community Hospital.

I am a mental health nurse by background with more than 25 years of NHS experience in various senior roles, reporting to executive directors and Board committees. I possess a solid clinical, legal, corporate governance and project management background and expertise in both the NHS and private sector. Over time, I have honed my expertise in engaging and managing relationships, demonstrating my competence and reliability with complex stakeholders. I initiate and retain genuine relationships and am an effective change agent with an inclusive leadership style. 

My areas of interest are corporate governance, patient safety, psychological safety for staff, whistleblowing and inclusion. I am an NHS Workforce Race and Equality Standard (WRES) expert. 

Having been elected as a member of Dorset County Council in May 2024, I am deeply committed to making a positive contribution to Dorset HealthCare, its staff and patients. 

Email Will - cllrwill.chakawhata@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 

Re-elected in 2023 for three years. 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I’m fully committed to, and enjoy representing, people’s views to the Trust Board, along with my other governor responsibilities. I want to be an ambassador and to make a difference within Dorset HealthCare. I started my career in 1995 as a healthcare assistant, trained as a nurse in Bristol and Bath, and gained a degree in District Nursing 2004. Over 28 years’ much-loved NHS experience, I’ve led teams in urban and rural community settings. In 2008 I made Dorset my home, and have seen Dorset HealthCare transform since then. I’m very proud to work for an inclusive and forward-thinking organisation giving real opportunities for professional development. 

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

I’m currently district nurse lead for Purbeck, and a Queen’s Nurse (since 2015), focused on improving quality care and helping staff and patients to reach their potential. I’ve been a staff governor since 2020, and find being an advocate for others a fulfilling role. Being a Queen’s Nurse and staff governor has helped me ‘find my voice’ and I aim to articulate the value of what we do as workers within healthcare. I have a naturally enquiring mind, and am curious to understand when something can be improved upon. I also have a tenacious spirit and won’t rest while something isn’t the best it can be. This is especially true in relation to staff wellbeing and patient care. 

Please feel welcome to contact me if you’d like to know more about the staff governor role and how it makes a difference to you. 

Declaration of Interest 

None. 

Email: hattie.taylor1@nhs.net

Elected for three years from 2024  

Why did you want to be a governor? 

As a Clinical Educator in our Trust, with a background in clinical practice and health education, I'd like to be elected because I believe our staff have a vital voice in shaping the future of our services. I am committed to ensuring that staff providing care, are heard and involved in decisions that impact both patient experience and staff wellbeing.

I'd like to be involved in the Trust’s mission to provide integrated, person-centred care and support that delivery by strengthening the link between frontline staff and the Board. This role offers a valuable opportunity to influence strategic direction, ensure accountability, and represent the collective views of staff to improve outcomes for our patients and communities.

What skills do you feel you could bring to the role? 

I bring strong communication and listening skills, enabling me to understand and represent a wide range of staff perspectives which I witness in my teaching role. I am approachable, open-minded, and committed to fairness and transparency. With experience in collaborative working, I understand how to engage with colleagues across disciplines, translating their insights into constructive feedback. I have a clear understanding of the Trust’s values and operations, and I am confident in challenging decisions respectfully to ensure accountability. I am organised, reliable, and committed to representing staff in a way that builds trust and supports positive change. My focus will be on meaningful engagement and helping ensure our Trust continues to serve our community effectively.

Declaration of Interests 

I am an employee of Dorset HealthCare

Elected for three years 2025  

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I am passionate about Dorset Healthcare and the services we provide across the County. I would like to be a part of this and help find out what the staff and patients would want for DHC and try to reflect their views and values when discussing plans, changes and ideas for what may occur in the future.

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

I have worked for DHC for 6+ years. I am passionate about our services, patients and those that access our services. I will be an advocate for staff and patients and try to represent them as the Governor.

Declaration of Interest 

Member of the Green political party

Elected for one year 2025  

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I care as a nurse and want to help shape care provision in my local community here in west Dorset. I have various experiences in the NHS as a staff nurse where I have been involved directly in patient care and in QI initiatives and feel i can add value to the service i work in.

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

I have been active in support of NHS teams as part of a union where I have worked as a Health and safety rep to promote staff welfare in the workplace, I have learnt about Governor activities having been a public member of the trust where i have contributed to discussions to add a different viewpoint to services and care provision during Governor meetings. Often from a viewpoint of west Dorset and attending in person at various locations around Dorset to help add something different to the table. This is having previously worked in various NHS trusts around the UK.

Declaration of interest 

Outside employment as self-employed taxi driver. 

Elected for three years from 2024.

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I wanted to make a difference and bring positive change to our Trust.  There is an unprecedented demand for services while the recruitment and retention of staff remains difficult. I work as a consultant psychiatrist, and can see the day-to-day pressure in our inpatient units and community-based services. There is undeniable financial pressure and complex regulatory demands, and we are also in the middle of a major transformation project. I will actively engage with staff members, patients’ groups and other stakeholders to ensure their views are being heard. I want to help the Trust to set the right priorities and implement the right strategies at this critical juncture. 

What skills do you feel you could bring to the role? 

I graduated at the University of Glasgow with MbChB, and hold a MSc in Sociology at University of Bristol.  I am a member of the Individual Patient Treatment Panel with the NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board. I was elected as a district councillor and was appointed as shadow portfolio holder for Communities and Wellbeing where I campaigned to improve the infrastructure and succeeded in securing a sizeable investment. I make things happen! With my experience, I can offer a unique insight and help foster an ever-closer relationship with other agencies.   

Declaration of Interests 

Member of the Individual Patient Treatment Panel with NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (formerly Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group). 

Email: gary.wong@nhs.net.