Leading with transparency in Healthcare: the role of governors at UHDB
Governors play a vital part in supporting the direction and accountability of NHS Trusts. As representatives of the public, colleagues, and key stakeholders, governors have a commitment to ensure their voices are heard and considered in key decision-making processes and part of the continuous improvement of healthcare services.
Becoming a governor is not only a chance to make a direct impact on the future of University Hospitals Derby and Burton (UHDB), but also a responsibility to ensure that the Trust operates with transparency, innovation, and compassion.
Sharon Conroy and Sheena Appleby, two appointed UHDB governors, speak about why they took on the role and what people considering becoming a governor can expect.
What is your background?
Sheena: I had served as a staff governor before my retirement, when NHS Foundation Trusts were first set up. During my early career I worked in London in sexual health, Nottinghamshire in community nursing and towards the end in both nursing and midwifery finishing as Director of Midwifery for the final 16 years at Derby.
Sharon: Prior to retiring three years ago I worked for over 37 years as a hospital pharmacist mainly in the Children's Hospital in Derby and as a University of Nottingham Lecturer teaching medical and nursing students. I thoroughly enjoyed my hospital career and have always been passionate about the NHS and the services it provides to patients and their families. Like many healthcare professionals I wanted to continue to contribute to the Trust in some way when I retired and becoming a governor has allowed me to do this in a very different way to my work during my career.
What made you become a governor?
Sharon: I have always been passionate about the NHS and the services it provides to patients and their families. Like many healthcare professionals I wanted to continue to contribute to the Trust in some way when I retired and becoming a governor has allowed me to do this in a very different way to my work during my career.
Interesting facts about yourself?
Sheena: I was educated in Edinburgh, trained as a nurse at St. Thomas Hospital in London, and trained as a midwife at the now Sherwood Forest NHS Foundation Trust. I am a big sports fan - if I had not gone into nursing, I would have loved to become a sports teacher! My Scottish Granny never forgave me for marrying a very southern Englishman and so watching my beloved Scotland play against England in my house can be a challenge. I have developed the talent of traditional upholstery over many years, and I am a committed Granny to my three very young grandchildren.
What would you say to anyone thinking about becoming a governor?
Sharon: There are certain compulsory meetings as a governor you must attend but overall, the role is not demanding of your time and there are many other opportunities to get involved in. I would strongly urge all governors (new and old) to take up as many of these opportunities as their time allows as the more you put into the role the more rewarding it is.
One of the things that I most enjoy about being a governor is the opportunities it brings to visit wards and other areas in the hospitals and talk to colleagues, patients, and visitors which I feel is an enormous privilege. It can at times be sad, joyful, sobering, thought provoking or emotional, but it is always a hugely rewarding aspect of the role.
What have you learnt?
Sheena: The one thing I have learnt since becoming a governor at UHDB is the complex nature of running one of the largest acute NHS Trusts. Having been on the front line of care over many years I have had the privilege of visiting areas of the hospitals and community that the public never see. The commitment of professionals and colleagues in these areas is to be commended. It is an industry on its own that is vital to supporting not only front-line services, but ultimately good care and health to our population.
The importance of governors
Sheena: As a governor I feel there must be a trust between patients, staff, and local stakeholders. As we go forward, governors must remain as direct representatives of local views and interests within the Governance structure of UHDB, always overseeing its duty of candour towards patients who use our services across Derbyshire and East Staffordshire.
Find out all you need to know about becoming a UHDB governor > (opens in new window).