Meet our Council of Governors

Re-elected for three years in 2024. 

 Why did you want to be a governor? 

I have been working with the NHS as an expert by experience (EbyE) for several years, which has given me a better understanding of the processes 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 lead to some changes in policies and procedures that could benefit the carer, medical professional and the patient. 

 What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

I have been an unpaid carer for many years, for both my sister with Down's Syndrome and my stepfather who had dementia. The knowledge and skills I have gained around 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 about these patients and the problems carers face. I also help NHS staff to understand how carers can be an asset to the medical profession and allow that person to live their lives regardless of disability. I produced a webinar for health professionals during COVID-19 pandemic. 

 Declaration of Interests 

None. 

Elected for three years in 2022. 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I served three years as chair to a Premier League football club supporters trust.  I decided not to stand for re-election, and instead wanted to serve as a governor for Dorset HealthCare. I really do care how our NHS functions and have the greatest respect for those that work within it. I want to make a difference and to serve local NHS users, bringing the views of others to the table. 

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

Worked as operations manager in local transport for many years. Served as chair to a football supporters trust. 

Declaration of interests 

None. 

Elected for three years in 2022. 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

Now that I am semi-retired, I wanted to give back something to the community where I have worked and lived. I have always wanted to do this but did not have the time while working as a consultant physician. The role is in my career field, and I feel I bring a lot of experience and expertise to it. 

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

Intimate knowledge of the NHS system in general, as well as healthcare in Dorset specifically. 

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. 

Re-elected for three years in 2023 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

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

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

My experience includes 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 the Action For Children charity and sit on the Dorset Nightspot board, which involves hosting homeless teenagers, funding and promotional work. 

Declaration of interests 

None.

Elected for three years in 2023 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

To help improve services and ensure local people receive timely and cost-effective care. 

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

My key skills are in the areas of compliance and continual improvement, including implementation of policies and processes for quality, information security, environmental work and health and safety. I’m actively engaged in community, volunteering and charity work, including engagement and membership of mental health organisations. 

Declaration of interests 

Labour affiliation with the Unite union. 

Elected for two years in 2023 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

The NHS is in crisis, and there are no easy answers. I was an anaesthetic and ICU consultant locally for 30 years, as well as managing operating theatres and, for five years, was Medical Director at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. I have always had a close association with the Victoria Hospital, Wimborne, and have witnessed first-hand the tremendous value of high quality services provided locally. Investment in local healthcare is crucial to addressing the shortfall in NHS capacity,  and I want to use my experience and enthusiasm to help guide and implement such development. 

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

I live with my wife and three sons in Wimborne, and have been a dedicated supporter of the town’s Victoria Hospital for many years as a clinician, Chair of its Clinical Advisory Group and a Trustee of the Friends of Wimborne Hospital. In these roles I have sought to drive the development of healthcare services for local people and to extend co-operation between primary and secondary care providers. Implementation of the recent Clinical Services Review provides a great opportunity for Dorset HealthCare to play a key role in developing and extending healthcare services in the community. I want to support it in this endeavour. 

Declaration of interests 

None. 

Elected for three years in 2022 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I have extensive experience as a local doctor, a patient, and a member of the public which I hope will enable me to contribute to improving healthcare delivery and priorities in the Trust. I joined a political party in the hope of influencing policy on the NHS, but this has been hard and unsuccessful! I feel that, having a lifetime spent trying to help patients navigate the system and teaching young doctors to communicate with patients, this will enable me to contribute to the much-needed support and feedback that our Trust needs. 

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

I have been a local GP, a Health Authority director, and a chair of General Medical Council tribunals, in charge of the regulation and fitness of doctors to practice. I have experience of ethical decision-making, medical law, the complaints process and NHS management at many levels. My experience as a patient opened my eyes to the strengths and weaknesses of our hospitals, and insight into how to improve them. I hope that I am now in a position to give objective advice to our Trust on how to make the best use of its limited resources. 

Declaration of interests 

A member of the Conservative Party. 

Elected for three years in 2022 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I have spent 25 years in the healthcare industry, seeing things from different perspectives. I’ve worked with patients, physicians and hospital groups. I’ve listened, communicated and implemented action plans based on the needs of each group. I understand the challenges and believe I can make a difference as a governor. 

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

For more than 25 years, I’ve spent my time working in the healthcare industry. I’ve worked with several pharmaceutical companies working with patients, physicians and hospitals. I’ve delivered educational programmes for both patients and physicians, assisted patients to get the care they needed and was instrumental in bringing about improvements for patients’ benefit. 

My experience includes working within the healthcare system in the United States, affording a unique perspective. In addition, I’ve been a care provider for elderly patients. I’m sympathetic to the needs of both patients and carers, and would like to use my experience and skills to help bring about improvement within our NHS. 

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. 

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 

Karen is Associate Director of Human Resources at Bournemouth University (BU). As a key member of the University Leadership Team, Karen is responsible for leading, developing and delivering a robust HR strategy to both enable and support the University’s vision and values. This includes leading on organisational change programmes and delivery of a high quality proactive and effective HR service at an operational and strategic level. She has responsibility for reward and recognition, as well as a key role in equality and diversity and staff engagement.

Karen also has responsibility for health, safety and wellbeing.  Karen has worked in human resources (HR) for more than 20 years, including spells at further education institutions and a council before joining BU. 

✉ Email Karen - karen.parker28@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 

Elected for three years in 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 – gary.wong@nhs.net 

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 - hattie.taylor1@nhs.net 

Elected for three years in 2022 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

By representing staff and clients’ views at Board meetings, I can influence the direction our Trust is taking. Staff are vital people to have on a governing body because no one is more concerned with the quality of the care provision and delivery than ‘shop floor’ staff. Having our staff’s and clients’ best interests at heart makes me fully committed to the Trust’s goal of continuous improvement for the benefit of our clients and staff. 

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

I am a nurse with 25 years of experience, and have worked in different counties. I consider myself to be patient, energetic and enthusiastic, alongside my analytical skills. I use common sense, I`m able to work in a team and have genuine interest in health care systems and the best possible care delivery for clients and staff. I`m always happy to listen, learn and to take action. 

Declaration of interest 

None. 

Elected for three years in 2023 

Why did you want to be a governor? 

I am from a diverse background, have had lived experience and have family members with disabilities, giving me a direct interface with NHS services (both statutory and non-statutory) and an understanding of the challenges they face. I have been a consultant psychiatrist for more than 11 years and have worked in a number of different trusts, experience which can be useful to the Council of Governors. I am keen to help influence the direction of the trust, its interfaces with other organisations, public health and NHS services and culture across Dorset.  

What skills do you feel you bring to the role? 

I have had extensive training and experience as a consultant psychiatrist, and my own experiences as a service user are also something I draw upon.  

In addition, I am keen to champion sustainability in health care and am the chair of our Trust’s Green Network, which is working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and save unnecessary costs. We are in a crucial phase in the NHS, with major staffing issues and demand outstripping supply. Reducing our impacts on the environment needs to be reconciled with the delivery of services. Through various initiatives, Dorset HealthCare has made great strides towards meeting its net zero targets, but more can be done and this is something I am keen to explore. 

Declaration of interest 

None.