Patient, Parent and Carer Governors

Bio to follow

What three words would people use to describe you?

Caring, Happy & Motivated

What does being a governor mean to you?

Giving back to the hospital that helped me, through ways that open opportunities to the future.

What are you looking forward to in your role as a governor?

I would like to bring an encouraging, fresh perspective for the emergence of technology, so it can become a part of the Hospitals long term vision and planning. An opportunity to use 18 years of patient experience and unique AR/VR Innovation experience.

What lasting impact would you like to leave as a governor?

The emergence of Innovative Technology used in clinical and non-clinical settings within the Hospital.

What do you admire about GOSH?

The Trust is constantly striving for medical/clinical improvements in healthcare

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Keeping fit (Gym/jogging), learning about History, cooking.

People don't know that...

I met the whole Arsenal Squad in 2006.

What three words would people use to describe you?

Kind, resilient and cheerful.

What does being a governor mean to you?

To take an active role in amplifying the patient voice in decisions being made at GOSH.

What are you looking forward to in your role as a governor?

I am looking forward to collaborating with the Council as well as the wider GOSH community including Patients, Parents/Carers and Staff, and listening to a variety of perspectives and experiences.

What lasting impact would you like to leave as a governor?

Having been a GOSH patient for 20 years and a Young People’s Forum member for 4 years, I hope that continuing to share my input will help make the patient journey to be as comfortable and inclusive as possible. I am excited to play a part in shaping the future of our amazing hospital and making a difference together. I truly believe in the potential we have collectively and how empowered we are individually.

What do you admire about GOSH?

Over the last 20 years at GOSH, I’ve received so much support, encouragement and an amazing quality of care, and my aim in this role is to hopefully facilitate the same experience for others. The opportunities that I’ve had at GOSH such as being YPF Vice-Chair, Keynote Speaker at GOSH Conference, Hosting at the AGM and Launches as well as working with the GOSH Charity and Learning Academy has all contributed to my personal and professional development immensely – I’ve learnt so much about the hospital and myself, which has formed the foundations of my passion for social impact, stories, youth empowerment and leading positive change.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy writing, baking, badminton, photography and watching football and Formula 1.

People don't know that...

I love travelling and exploring new places – I once ziplined through a forest!

What three words would people use to describe you?

Inquisitive, Analytical, Honest

What does being a governor mean to you?

Having the confidence of the members to improve and enhance provisions across the entire trust, for everyone that interacts with GOSH.

What are you looking forward to in your role as a governor?

Using my expertise to enable a lasting impact by working with like-minded colleagues, staff and patients alike.

What lasting impact would you like to leave as a governor?

Knowing that I played a small part in the improvement of GOSH, whatever that may be.

What do you admire about GOSH?

I admire the infinite courage and effort taken to make everyone who comes to GOSH feel comfortable, safe and welcome.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy reading and spending time with my 3 children. In fact, I’m lucky to have any spare time.

People don't know that...

I grew up in Hong Kong and speak Cantonese.

What three words would people use to describe you?

Empathetic, Effective, Curious.

What does being a governor mean to you?

Being the voice of the diverse patients, families and carers who rely on GOSH.

What are you looking forward to in your role as a governor?

Meeting more of the parents/carers and listening to their experiences and suggestions.

What lasting impact would you like to leave as a governor?

Most patients that are referred to GOSH are on a difficult journey. I hope to smoothen the road by improving their hospital experience.

What do you admire about GOSH?

I admire the innovative research, which continually improves children’s lives, and the amazing staff, who are experts in their field and extremely caring.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my husband and my six children, ages 13 to 20. Luckily I like to cook- I certainly have done enough of it!

People don't know that...

I grew up in America and came to London for a two-year management assignment. Over two decades later, I am still here!

What three words would people use to describe you?

Resourceful, passionate, trustworthy.

What does being a governor mean to you?

Being a voice for patients and carers so that they feel heard and understood, and giving back to the hospital which has been a huge part of my life for sixteen years now.

What are you looking forward to in your role as a governor?

Meeting new people and learning how GOSH works so that together we can uphold the promise: The child comes first.

What lasting impact would you like to leave as a governor?

I would like to improve the existing socio-technological tools at GOSH to better support staff, patients and carers alike.

And, I would like to effect a positive societal change so that children who attend regular hospital outpatient appointments are no longer penalised for their school attendance.

Social equity means that 100% school attendance may look a little different for children with chronic illnesses - it is not less than - it is equally valid and should be celebrated too.

What do you admire about GOSH?

The commitment, love, patience and, excellence of all the medical staff at GOSH.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I practice yoga and recently began a year long course doing inversions. I also love to blog about technology and storytelling.

People don't know that...

I got a PhD in AI and engineering, mainly so that I could live in Switzerland in the 90s, but it turned out to be a really cool move and I remain as fascinated today as I was all those years ago.

What three words would people use to describe you?

Ambitious, energetic and a team-player.

What does being a governor mean to you?

Representing young people’s voices right across Great Ormond Street Hospital, which I believe helps to maintain and improve services for patients and their families.

What are you looking forward to in your role as a governor?

I’m looking forward to working with the YPF, Governors and staff at GOSH.

What lasting impact would you like to leave as a governor?

Bringing the perspective of children and young people to the forefront of decisions by strengthening the relationship between YPF and the hospital.

What do you admire about GOSH?

The dedication of GOSH staff and every stakeholder involved in the hospitals work.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy playing sport, particularly tennis.

People don't know that...

I have a distinction in Grade 8 Drums and avidly played as part of a band before my A’Levels!

Seat will be up for election in November 2024

What three words would people use to describe you?

Positive, Competitive and Fun

What does being a governor mean to you?

The opportunity to support the great work of GOSH and the team to enable children to receive the best care possible

What are you looking forward to in your role as a governor?

Meeting new people and learning about how GOSH operates and providing constructive input and feedback on GOSH strategy

What lasting impact would you like to leave as a governor?

Receiving feedback that I had contributed in some small way to the effective advancement of care for children at the Trust

What do you admire about GOSH?

The energy, focus and passion for providing every child with the best possible outcome

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Family, Friends and Being Active - currently walking the South West Coast Path

People don't know that...

I ran the London Marathon in just under 3 hours 30 minutes

What three words would people use to describe you?

Hardworking, organised & reliable

What does being a governor mean to you?

I have worked with dedicated GOSH staff during my only son’s multiple treatments for years. I have seen many bumps on the way. Being a governor, I would get a chance to repay for the services we as a family have received. I would also like to contribute towards making GOSH a better place than it currently is for families like ours during the most difficult phase of their lives.

What are you looking forward to in your role as a governor?

Understanding the GOSH processes and providing my experience as a parent to help it shape for the betterment of kids and parents.

What lasting impact would you like to leave as a governor?

If I could bring some improvements to the existing processes that will improve the circumstances of the young patients and their families. I will be looking forward to it.

What do you admire about GOSH?

Friendliness of staff (nurses and doctors) and their enormous dedication to treating the little ones with utmost care and supporting the parents with patience and required information.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Watching reality shows, playing cards and board games (and always winning) with my son, and baking with my son.

People don't know that...

I had never moved away from my home until my first job which took me 4,500 miles away from my home and I have been here since than!

What three words would people use to describe you?

Ambitious, witty, dependable.

What does being a governor mean to you?

To me, it means giving back to the hospital that saw me grow and helped me thrive throughout my childhood.

What are you looking forward to in your role as a governor?

I’m looking forward to learning more about how an NHS Foundation Trust is run, and how the voices of patients can fit into that.

What lasting impact would you like to leave as a governor?

I believe I have a unique insight as both a former patient and current medical student, and hope to use that towards improving overall outcomes and user satisfaction.

What do you admire about GOSH?

As a child who spent a lot of time in various hospitals, I always thought there was something ‘different’ about GOSH doctors. Now I realise its the atmosphere that GOSH creates for its patients. It’s warm, its friendly, its exactly what a confused child and nervous parent needs. I admire the dedication of all the staff who continue to foster that atmosphere.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Some form of daily movement is non-negotiable for me – usually weightlifting, yoga, or swimming. I also love cooking and trying new cuisines, especially with friends.

People don't know that...

I have a collection of fun socks – wearing silly socks under a formal outfit never fails to make me happy.

Bio to follow