Public Governors

What three words would people use to describe you?

Friendly, Hardworking, Resourceful

What does being a governor mean to you?

I am proud to be given the opportunity to be a Governor at such a world leading institution. My family have directly benefited from GOSH’s work- my cousin would not be here now had it not been for the skill and dedication of GOSH staff.

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

I am really looking forward to meeting and working with the staff and the other Governors. Having followed GOSH on various social media channels for some time I am excited to play a small role in shaping hospital life.

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

Ultimately, children would rather be out of hospital than in. Working as a Governor will hopefully allow me to make suggestions behind the scenes that will make hospital stays for children and parents that bit more bearable.

What do you admire about GOSH?

It is one of the few hospitals in the world that people know by name and evokes a positive reaction. Everybody understands the important and valuable work the hospital does, saving the lives of critically ill children and understanding how to treat the rare conditions some children suffer from. I read with interest how GOSH and The Royal Papworth Hospital carried out a DCD heart transplant on a child for the first time. The fact that the donor pool can be expanded so much further is a testament to all the hard work and research by so many people.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis and golf, with varying degrees of success! Unfortunately, I was not able to do much of either of those last year, so started to explore my local area by bike. Like many people, I watched an unhealthy amount of TV shows on Netflix; any recommendations welcome!

People don't know that...

Once, I was in France on a work trip. I was caught out by all restaurants in and around the hotel closing early on a Sunday. I had to channel my inner Gordon Ramsay, and managed to make a very good panini using a hotel iron..

What three words would people use to describe you?

Tenacious, Empathetic, Resilient.

What does being a governor mean to you?

It means an opportunity to help shape the present and future of medical care for our children and support for their families.

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

I am looking forward to working with fellow governors and the management team to see the views, voices and opinions of our members translate into actionable objectives at GOSH.

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

I want to leave a ‘beyond numbers’ mindset. We ensure that the numbers are healthy financially but we look beyond the numbers to the impact of our decisions and actions on the beneficiaries of the services that GOSH provides. We look beyond patients as numbers. We look beyond staff as numbers. We look beyond the communities we serve as numbers.

What do you admire about GOSH?

I admire the dedication and commitment to innovative healthcare for children at GOSH.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy travelling, nature and the outdoors, scrabble, reading, cooking, singing and high-adrenaline activities like zip lining.

People don't know that...

I was part of a 4-girl dance group in high school.

What three words would people use to describe you?

Friendly, hard-working and empathetic.

What does being a governor mean to you?

GOSH holds a very special place in my heart and I’m so excited to have an opportunity to give back.

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

I’m really looking forward to learning more about GOSH as a leading institution, understanding more about the challenges staff and families face and help to contribute to positive changes.

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

I think because of GOSH’s status as a world-leading institution, it can be easy for families and staff to feel like their voices are too small to be heard. While we all know the NHS is under huge amounts of pressure, it’s made up of people that really care. I’d love to have the opportunity to remind people that they’re not alone, that we are so grateful to them and that everyone has the power to make a difference.

What do you admire about GOSH?

I admire how much they value the lives of children and how they go above and beyond in helping those most vulnerable. As a weekend volunteer, I never experienced the wards as a depressing place to be and that was all down to the amazing staff doing everything they could to make sure the patients were still able to be children.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love cold water swimming! I’ve recently moved back from Cornwall and although it was a lot easier to do this there, I would love to try and keep up this hobby in London.

People don't know that...

When I was a child, we used to foster guide dogs at weekends. By the time I left home for university, we had looked after over thirty Golden Retrievers!

What three words would people use to describe you?

Committed, Determined, Approachable

What does being a governor mean to you?

Being a governor is an opportunity for me to give back to the hospital. As a former patient I experienced first-hand the care and support of this very special community; and so now having the chance to be able to serve it in every way I can as a governor, is an honour.

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

I am looking forward to working with the Council of Governors, continuing the work of ensuring that the patients and families receive the world leading care that has always been provided by committed staff. That the wider GOSH community, including Trust Members all feel valued contributors to this fantastic Hospital. Becoming a governor at this time, as the hospital has embarked on its Above & Beyond strategy is very exciting indeed. As we continue to work through the pandemic and post-pandemic there will be much work to be done. I look forward immensely to being a part of this.

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

Ensuring that Trust Members feel involved in all aspects, to support the phenomenal work that the hospital does and looking towards the future; helping to advance the care that patients receive. I would like every member of the GOSH community to feel that they are contributing and a valued member of this family.

What do you admire about GOSH?

I admire the care, the spirit, the compassion, the resilience, the strength. As a patient at GOSH as a child, this time was special to me and certainly helped to shape the person I am and the values I hold. GOSH creates a spirit of togetherness and optimism even under the most challenging of circumstances. It’s staff and supporters do so much to create positivity for patients and their families, and it does this in a very unique way. I am proud to have been a patient at GOSH, I am proud to be a Trust Member and now I am so proud to serve as a governor.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my family, particularly my young twins who keep me very busy, running, cycling, reading and drawing (always the Art Teacher!).

People don't know that...

I am struggling with this more than I feel I should...now this may well be more interesting to some than others but here goes; I know all of the words to all 3 original Star Wars films as I am a huge Star Wars fan! (you can test me!)

What three words would people use to describe you?

My family and friends would describe me as ambitious, committed and generous.

What does being a governor mean to you?

I cannot express how much it means to me to be able to give back to a place which is so close to my heart. The outstanding care that GOSH has provided to my brother has saved his life and given my family and I hope. It is a privilege for me to be able to contribute to the success of GOSH.

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

I am looking forward to contributing to the hospital, meanwhile, continuously developing myself in order to best represent my constituency.

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

As a young person and a sibling of a patient, I feel passionately about ensuring that everyone is empowered to find their voice and share their story. I would like to take this opportunity to ensure that everyone is listened to and considered at every level in the hospital, from decision making to everyday work. I hope to improve the integration of different parties within the care circle, ensuring that the hospital services work closely together and that the teams collaborate with schools and local communities to maximise support.

What do you admire about GOSH?

The dedication of the staff at GOSH is admirable. I have witnessed the hospital continuously striving to improve, through innovation and pioneering new approaches.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I spend my spare time studying, working as the Chair of the Young People’s Forum at GOSH and training at the gym.

People don't know that...

I am an aspiring doctor.

What three words would people use to describe you?

Ambitious, loyal & reliable

What does being a governor mean to you?

Pride.

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

Assisting and sustaining GOSH performance.

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

Continuation as a centre of excellence.

What do you admire about GOSH?

Ethos & dedication.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my family and doing sport and expeditions.

People don't know that...

I am the 370th Brit to summit Everest.