New Governors of Cumbria’s community health services announced

Four new public governors for Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have been announced: two representing Eden and two representing South Lakeland. Extracts from their election statements reveal why they want to get involved a governor of local community health services:

Edward Wilson, Eden Public Governor: “My family, like most others, relies on the NHS for both minor and emergency situations. I am passionate about the NHS and wish to play a part in ensuring that the right services are there when we need them, and that even in difficult financial times the NHS continues to provide a high quality service.”

Sandra Kaufman, South Lakes Public Governor: “I would like to be a governor in order to contribute to the effective running of the Health Service in our local area and to be involved in a very important cause that affects us all. The Health Service affects each one of us at every stage of our lives but as we get older we depend upon it more and appreciate even more how much it does for us.”

Alan Faith, Eden Public Governor: “I aim to ensure the Trust consults and informs the community about its work, and reflects community needs. I am a service user and carer, with personal experience of the needs of elderly and disabled people in the home, hospital and long term care. I am aware of the importance of carers in relieving pressure on limited public resources, and the many burdens caring involves.”

Peter Garland, South Lakes Public Governor: “I have proven experience of holding executive boards to account for organisational performance and stakeholder satisfaction. I want the people of Cumbria to enjoy the health services we deserve.”

Public governors are appointed to represent the views of local people and work closely with the Board of Directors advising them on issues such as priorities for forward planning. They also have key responsibilities including the appointment and removal of the Chair and Non-Executive Directors.

These governors come together as a Governors Council which holds meetings throughout the year and works with the Board of Directors in carrying out their key functions and responsibilities.

Mike Taylor, Chair of Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said:"I am pleased to welcome these new governors to the Trust, and I am looking forward to hearing their views on the services we provide. They have a unique opportunity to influence NHS services in their local community, and they bring a wealth of experience to the Trust. This experience will be invaluable as we explore the possibilities and challenges facing the NHS in Cumbria.”

Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides a wide range of community based healthcare across Cumbria including:

Community hospitals
Community nursing
Drug and alcohol services
Health visiting
Learning disability services
Mental health services
Allied health services such as podiatry, physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Community dentistry
Children's services