Tell us a bit about your background, skills and experience
I retired as a doctor and Postgraduate Dean in 2023 to help care for my mum. My clinical career was in obstetrics and gynaecology and, in particular, gynaecological cancer. I really enjoyed working with a team to help cancer patients. In addition, I have held many medical education roles throughout my career and I am passionate about developing and motivating staff. I have always enjoyed working with people and in teams.
What inspired you to apply to join NHS Forth Valley’s Board?
Despite having retired, I was keen to continue to contribute to healthcare and through my previous roles, had some understanding of the importance of the work of Health Boards. When the opportunity arose to join NHS Forth Valley, I was struck by the openness of the Board’s senior leadership about the strengths and as well as the challenges and their ambition to do the best for the staff and the population of Forth Valley. I believe in the importance of staff as the key resource to improve patient outcomes and the need to establish a positive culture. I was keen to contribute to that ambition.
How do you support the work of the Board?
In addition to being a Board member, I have joined the Clinical Governance Committee and the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integrated Joint Board. I hope to use my clinical and leadership experience to support strategy development and decision making. I am also keen to engage directly with staff and have already attended a Patient Safety Conversation Visit which was a real opportunity to hear directly from staff and raise issues which are important to them.
What do you like best about your role as a non-Executive Board member?
I am still new to the role, however, I have been impressed by the commitment of my fellow Board members to really make a difference and to review, challenge and support the work in NHS Forth Valley. The breadth of the work is surprising and examples of what has been discussed at recent meetings includes compassionate leadership, population health, performance, estates concerns, cyber security, climate change targets and finance. For me, it is important to look at the whole system to consider how to influence and improve health outcomes, particularly for more vulnerable groups and move the focus to prevention.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?
Like most people, I enjoy time with friends and family – going for coffee or dinner. I have two sons and a daughter-in-law who live in London and I love visiting them. I am very keen on football and other team sports – watching not playing! I regularly shout at the TV to encourage my team to do better (I’m not sure they always listen to my advice!). I enjoy walking, leisure cycling and learning about history and geology.
What message would you like to like to share with local staff and partners?
I hope to meet up with some of you in my role as I am keen to hear from you – you do an amazing job and are critical to work we are all trying to do.
