Claire shares her pride at being able to give back to NHS in new role as public Governor
One of University Hospitals of Derby and Burton's (UHDB) newest public Governors says she is relishing the challenge following her successful appointment to the role.
Claire Carter is currently a Senior Lecturer and Business Relationship Manager at the University of Derby, and has previously worked in the NHS in Derby, meaning this new role takes on a greater meaning.
She said: "I used to work in the NHS earlier in my career. I worked in Clinical Governance at the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary (DRI) and then in Facilities Management at what was the former Derby City Hospital as well, so the NHS is very important to me personally.
"I gave birth to my children at this Trust, my family use these hospitals when they need care, so it's all very close to my heart."
Claire will represent the constituency of South Derbyshire after being voted in earlier this year, something she says came as a surprise to her and her family:
"I was very shocked to find out that I'd been voted in as a Governor. I didn't tell anyone that I was going for it as I never thought I'd be successful, but I am incredibly honoured to have been given this opportunity."
Having previously served on local parish councils and as a school governor, as well as a career background in the NHS, Claire is also an armed forces champion at the University of Derby, and believes her career background and experiences in similar roles will help her to achieve her goals while in post.
She continued: "For me this role is about paying something back to the NHS and supporting it as it goes forward. I understand how important health is to everyone in the community, and I have a big interest in in supporting all staff working across the Trust.
"I want to help everyone understand the decisions that are made in the Trust and the impact these decisions have on the community both in and outside of the organisation and how we can open up levels of communication to enable everyone to feel heard, welcomed, and supported.
"I'm really looking forward to working with new people and getting involved in some new experiences - this is all something that I'm really looking forward to. I'm excited to take on the challenge, learning and seeing new things, and bringing my perspective to the Council of Governors."
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