You don't need an NHS background to be involved in the NHS as a UHDB governor
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.
Pam Dhanda and Beverley Martin, two appointed UHDB governors, speak about why they took on the role and show you don't need to have an NHS or medical background to become a governor.
What is your background?
Beverley: I am Derby born and educated and was a teacher of Biology for 32 years. I have a diploma in pastoral care as well as a certification in Biology and have completed several counselling courses.
I have an awareness of the effects of the home environment on pupil behaviour, and learned compassion, listening skills and ‘tough love’ knowing when to escalate information to provide safeguarding of the pupil as well as acting as mentor, ‘parent’ and social worker.
I've always had an interest in the NHS as I really wanted to be a medic! I volunteered in the Pathology Lab at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary (now Florence Nightingale Community Hospital) in my school holidays and learned many skills. I loved it! I have also volunteered with several Family Planning clinics.
Pam: I have dedicated over 30 years' service to the Public Sector working on the front line, within management and strategic roles across a range of service areas from social care, education and health aligning with integrated community service provision and promoting positive partnerships leading to desired outcomes.
What made you become a governor?
Beverley: I enjoy and feel privileged for the opportunity to work closely with patients, their families, communities, and staff to represent them at Board level. I feel it is important to liaise, empathise and listen to their concerns and praise for the service of care provided. It is a way of ensuring improvements and the formulation of robust strategies for the benefit of all.
Pam: Being a recipient of NHS services I was keen to gain an understanding of the NHS challenges. Furthermore how strategic decisions at board level were reached and the degree to which the public influenced such with the aim of shaping and supporting effective service provision through advocacy and representation.
Interesting fact about yourself?
Beverley: I was born in the basement of Derby General (City) Hospital during the war to protect from bombings. There was no NHS then so my parents had to pay for my birth.
Pam: I won a writing competition led by Roald Dahl when I was around thirteen and I treasure a personal handwritten letter from him discussing my critique, though it was many moons ago!
What would you say to anyone thinking about becoming a governor?
Beverley: Being a Governor is a demanding role requiring active engagement to do the job justice. The more involvement the greater the personal reward. I fully recommend it. So, if you feel you want to help your community, support improvements to maintain our valuable and enviable NHS, have a go!
The importance of governors
Pam: The role of a Governor at UHDB is informative, engaging and crucially provides an opportunity to champion the needs of patients, their families and communities, more specifically promoting positive change leading to improvements in healthcare provision and delivery.
The NHS is a valuable resource that needs to continually evolve to manage and meet the changing needs of its users, it needs public involvement and influence, as ultimately, it is funded by and exists solely and foremost for the public.
Find out all you need to know about becoming a UHDB governor > (opens in new window).