Public Governors - North West Ambulance Service

Council of
Governors
About
Governors
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is committed to delivering the right care, at the
right time, in the right place and we believe this will be done more effectively as a
Foundation Trust (FT).
As an FT, we’ll have the financial and operating
freedoms to make improvements that our patients
need and deserve; meaning higher quality care for all.
Being an FT also means these changes will be made
with involvement from local people, patients and staff
– our members – through the Council of Governors.
It is the Governors’ responsibility to represent their
members’ interests, particularly in relation to the
strategic direction of the Trust.
Other duties include:
• telling us what our members need and want from
the service
• promoting public involvement
• looking at reports on how well we are delivering
our services
• working with representative bodies
• appointing the Chairman and Non-Executive
Directors.
board of directors and collectively hold them to
account for the Trust’s performance.
There are 37 members on the Council of Governors,
made up of the Chair – also the Chair of the Board
of Directors, 11 Governors from staff constituencies,
20 Governors from public constituencies and 5
appointed Governors from partner organisations.
To contact your Governor, or make an enquiry
about the Council of Governors, please contact our
Membership Office at Headquarters:
E: governors@nwas.nhs.uk
T: 01204 498400
P: North West Ambulance Service, Headquarters,
Ladybridge Hall, Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1
5DD
Governors do not undertake operational management
of NHS Foundation Trusts; their role is to challenge the
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Public Governors
Staff Governors
Cheshire
Corporate Services
Pam
Dyson
Mike
Harnor
Rob
Selby
Nick
Stafford
Cumbria
Albert
Murphy
Jacqueline
Nichol
Janet
Pitman
Steve
Wilson
Peter
Dawson
Chris
Houghton
John
North
Emergency Service
Janice
Drake
Julia
Silvester
Gary
Blackburn
Graham
Curry
Steve
Rice
Ian
Jones
Patient Transport Service
Lancashire
Thomas
Daniel
Julie
Treharne
Emergency Operations Centre
Greater Manchester
Mark
Bamberger
Deborah
Bullock
Peter
Moss
Sue
Murrin-Bailey
Simon
Ryan
Michael
Gibbs
David
Skelton
Vacant
Seat
Marica
Hacking
Tim
McKevitt
Vacant
Seat
Merseyside
Joe
Devaney
Appointed Governors
Geoff
Cheshire
British Red Cross
Robin
Richardson
University
Paula
Roddy
St John Ambulance
Monique
Schurmann
Commissioner
Vacant
Seat
Council
Public
Governors
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Pamela Dyson
Cheshire
I am an independent learning and development
consultant, a qualified accountant with a Master’s
Degree in Management Learning, a Fellow of the
Chartered Management Institute and a member of the
Healthcare Financial Management Association.
I believe that the combination of my long experience
as a senior manager within the NHS, my local
networks and wide experience in a variety of
voluntary roles is a credible background for
representing the interests of local people in Cheshire,
where I have lived and worked for most of my life.
I am passionate in my desire to support the NHS
overall and NWAS in particular to provide the best
possible care for the population it serves. I believe
that becoming a Foundation Trust will bring new
opportunities and responsibilities for NWAS that will
require excellent leadership and a close working
relationship with all stakeholders, particularly
patients.
I am impressed that, by working and learning together
for continuous improvement, the shadow Council of
Governors has already developed good working
relationships with patients, staff, non-executive
Directors, Care Quality Commission and Monitor.
Through this collaboration Governors are able to meet
their statutory duties of holding the organisation to
account and representing the public views.
I believe that Governors, individually and collectively,
can make a very positive difference to the future
service that can be delivered by the Trust.
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Michael Harnor
Cheshire
Largely retired from university employment, I have
been a charity trustee for many years and have
recently been awarded as the longest serving trustee
of the British Epilepsy Association (Epilepsy Action) for
which in the past I have also been national Chairman.
This totals 35 years with re-election tri-annually. Until
the recent closure, I was a trustee of the Greater
Manchester Neurological Alliance.
I continue to have considerable lay or patient
representative involvement in NHS bodies, especially in
the neurosciences. This was initially related to my
personal history which includes episodes across 35
years of acquired brain injury and haemorrhages,
including neurosurgery.
Currently I am an active lay member of the
Commission for Human Medicines ‘neurology, pain
and psychiatry expert advisory group’ hosted by
MHRA and of the MHRA lay members’ forum.
In the research field, I have, since 2007, been a lay
member of HRA/NHS Research Ethics Committees in
Greater Manchester. I have previously worked with
groups developing specific NHS pathway sets for
Greater Manchester and Cheshire and Merseyside
SCN.
I have had six years previous experience as an elected
public governor at one of the earliest FTs in the
region, including a year as a shadow governor.
From 1999 until 2013 I was a lay member of NICE
Guideline Development, Quality Standards and
Commissioning Guidance groups.
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Rob Selby
Cheshire
I look forward to engaging with members, and the
general public, to understand their views and issues,
and to represent these on the Council.
After gaining a degree in geography and economics,
and following brief excursion into chartered
accountancy, I began a local authority housing career.
During this time I gained an in-depth knowledge of
external regulation, and led the housing stock options
and transfer process, including the establishment of a
new shadow landlord housing association and shadow
board.
I am committed to public services and, in addition to
my involvement as a community first responder, I am
a voluntary board member of Wirral Methodist
Housing Association and a volunteer independent
custody suite visitor for Cheshire Police.
Married with two grown-up children, I am now
retired and enjoy travel, photography, music,
genealogy, a wide range of other interests and the
occasional glass of red wine!
In 2007, I became Director of Housing and
Development, responsible for the leadership,
direction and management of half of the council’s
functions and approximately 350 employees.
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Nick Stafford
Cheshire
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Albert Murphy
Cumbria
Having worked in the iron and steel industry for 42
years, I ended my career as a Sales Manager when I
retired in 1992.
I have been married for over 50 years to Ann, and
have one daughter and three Grandchildren.
I have been involved with various football
organisations and have given my time freely for the
past 45 years as a Secretary, Chairman and President. I
was also the Chief Executive of the Cumberland
Football Association for 17 years. Currently, I am a Lay
Member for the school appeals and exclusions panel
and have carried out this role this since 2007.
This isn’t the first time I have served as a Governor – I
also held the position with Cumbria Partnership NHS
Foundation Trust and was a member of the Cumbria
Mental Health Scheme.
Having been associated with the voluntary sector for
over 50 years, I will put my experience and knowledge
to good use to ensure that the needs of the North
West population are represented on the Council.
As a Governor, I am keen to contribute to a collective
approach to advocate for the best possible services for
everyone.
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Jacqueline Nichol
Cumbria
My experience in dealing with patients and the
ambulance service, as a community first responder,
helps me to understand the challenges faced in
providing an emergency service, particularly in rural
Cumbria. It was this valuable insight into the
ambulance service that inspired me to be a governor.
As a past deputy and acting Citizens Advice Bureau
manager, Chair of governing bodies within schools and
currently a member of the schools admissions appeals
and exclusion review panels - a position I have held for
25 years, I have considerable experience of being
responsible for the management of organisations,
holding people to account and conducting public
meetings. I also have experience in representing the
views of others and working with people with
disabilities and those who are socially disadvantaged.
I will approach the task of a governor from a neutral
position, without bias or predetermined views, and
look forward to playing a role in a vital community
service.
My numerous rescue animals, including cats, dogs and
donkeys plus numerous chickens take up a large
amount of my spare time! I am married with two
children.
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Janet Pitman
Cumbria
Previously a Critical Friend at NWAS, I wish to continue
to use the knowledge and experience I have gained
over the last few years, to bring benefits for the
patients and members in Cumbria and the whole of
the North West region.
I look forward to meeting and talking to as many
people as possible to listen to and hear their views on
what they want and expect from their Ambulance
Service.
I was brought up and educated in the Yorkshire Dales,
but have lived in Cumbria for several years. I spent the
majority of my working life doing various jobs in the
legal profession, work which I found both interesting
and thoroughly enjoyable.
My association with the ambulance service began in
2004 when I became a member of the Patient & Public
Involvement Forums and was assigned to the Cumbria
Ambulance Service. When the ambulance services
merged in 2006 and became the North West
Ambulance Service I was appointed Chairman of the
newly formed PPI Forum for the North West
Ambulance Service. Later I became Chairman of the
Core Group of the Trust’s Critical Friends’ Network. In
these roles I have gained knowledge and experience
of how the Trust works through frequent observations
at both Board and Committee levels. I still observe at
the Trust’s Board Meetings as frequently as possible.
I enjoy spending time in the Cumbrian countryside
watching wildlife - my main interest being bird
watching, especially birds of prey. I was once lucky
enough to travel from Penrith to Keswick in an open
horse drawn carriage, an experience I will never
forget.
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Steve Wilson
Cumbria
Having volunteered as a Community First Responder
since 2006, I have a good understanding of the role of
the ambulance service and the challenges it faces in
rural areas.
I believe the ambulance service is an invaluable
resource that has to be utilised correctly by all. It is
this belief that has led me to become a Governor.
My role as a first aid trainer means that I appreciate
the importance of education and I would like to build
on this to help improve and develop the service.
As a Governor for Cumbria, I will try to ensure the
views of all are shared, and heard, to help progress
developments in North West Ambulance Service.
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Mark Bamberger
Greater Manchester
In my role as Governor, I look forward to seeing more
interaction between the Trust and local communities. I
aim to build up community relations as well as trust,
faith awareness with minority communities and
encourage the public to join in with volunteering.
My background is in real estate, but I have a keen
interest in emergency medicine. While studying
abroad, I undertook an advanced first aid course and
did a short stint with the local ambulance service.
Since then, I have undertaken further courses in
emergency first aid and joined Hatzolah - the
volunteer emergency medical service and community
safety team for the Jewish Community. This work has
given me the opportunity to come into daily contact
with ambulance crews and build up positive working
relationships.
I am married with five children but still find the time
to spend many hours a day volunteering for various
organisations. I run a charity distribution centre that
supplies household staples at cost price, volunteers at
North Manchester General Hospital, am a
bereavement counsellor and trustee of MISASKIM - a
bereavement and crisis organisation, am Director of
ZAKA UK emergency rescue and recovery, as well as
an emergency responder in my local community.
I am very proud to be elected as a Governor and to be
affiliated with North West Ambulance Service.
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Peter Dawson
Greater Manchester
I am a retired Social Housing Manager, aged 59 and
living in Whitefield.
- Secretary of the Rail User Group for the Oldham and
Rochdale areas (STORM)
- Secretary of my GP's Patient Participation Group.
My interest is in the NHS generally, and NWAS in
particular, began in 2009 after a relatively minor
Stroke.
On Thursday afternoons I volunteer on the front desk
at Bury Transport Museum.
I am a good communicator able to ask the right
questions and understand complex reports.
I am a regular churchgoer interacting with a wide age
spread.
Having taken early retirement in 2011 I am able to
devote quality time to the Council of Governors and
the Governance sub-group.
I link NWAS to the wider community by being a
member of the following organisations:
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Janice Drake
Greater Manchester
I am a qualified Chartered Accountant with significant
experience in the areas of forensic accountancy and
audit, including public sector audit.
the best use of its resources. In addition, I look
forward to being available to represent the views of
the public about the service.
I first became interested in the ambulance service
when part of the Audit Commission’s external audit
team for NWAS between 2005 and 2007. I presently
work part-time as an accountant and also act as the
voluntary treasurer of Bolton Little Theatre. I believe
my professional skills can be put to good use on behalf
of the Trust.
I have two teenage children and am involved in school
activities. My other interests include theatre, walking
and family history research.
I am very pleased to have been elected as one of the
Public Governors for NWAS, and look forward to
learning much more about its operational activities. I
see part of the role of Governor as helping to spread
the right messages amongst the public at large about
the challenges NWAS faces across the region to make
Page 15
Julia Silvester
Greater Manchester
My background is in the NHS as a Public Health
Specialist where I have worked at district and regional
levels. Before that, I was Research Assistant in Clinical
Psychology, and a Lecturer in Higher Education. I have
also been a voluntary mental health Counsellor. On
leaving the Health Service, I went into politics and,
more recently, I have been an active member of
Healthwatch Bolton.
I see my role within the Trust as a link to the public,
and hope to be helpful in finding out their views. I
have always been very committed to the equality and
diversity agenda, and wish to explore this role further
when meeting different communities.
I have a range of skills that I believe are useful to the
Trust - good knowledge of local structures, links to the
local authority, local partnerships, and the voluntary
sector.
Being a “people person”, I enjoy the challenge of
making things happen and seeing things change by
consulting people about how they feel about services.
I like to keep on learning and welcome the
opportunity to be part of a new way of working.
I have an Honours Degree in Applied Social Sciences
and an MSc in Community Medicine and Health
Promotion.
I live in Bolton and have two grown-up children. I
enjoy classical, modern jazz, and soul music, and love
to go to the country or to the local coast.
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Thomas Daniel
Lancashire
Working for the ambulance service since 1977, I
retired in 2010 from my position as Duty Manager in
the Trust’s Emergency Operations Centre at
Broughton – having never had a day off sick.
During my time in the Service, I held positions such as
Ambulance man and Station Officer and recalls that
the role of ambulance control wasn’t always about
ambulances – they used to answer calls for out of
hours GPs, vets and electrical refrigeration firms!
expect. I look forward to the challenge that this will
bring and will do my upmost to ensure the Trust acts
with honestly, transparency and integrity.
When I moved to the Lancashire from the North East,
I became a football referee and have been refereeing
in the local league for 40 years. I also enjoy pub
quizzes and going on holiday.
In one year, before the establishment of Community
First Responders, I responded to 350 calls in my own
time – such as my love of the Service.
I put myself forward for the role of Governor as I felt
my vast experience could be utilised to help to
maintain and improve the high standard of service
that the people of the North West have come to
Page 17
Peter Moss
Lancashire
I have had a long career as a fire officer with
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service - attending
operational emergency incidents such as fires, road
collisions and chemical spills as a supervisory officer
and incident commander.
Working alongside the other emergency services gave
me an excellent appreciation of the high level of
service that the public expect and deserve, particularly
at times of stress and concern. I understand the
importance of quality, safe services and maintaining
high standards to ensure good outcomes of care,
public satisfaction and confidence.
valuable insight into the needs of the local
community.
I hope that my experiences and knowledge can be
used to help improve services for all who work in and
use the ambulance service in the North West, and to
ensure the publics’ voice is heard in the exciting and
challenging times ahead.
I was also a member of Preston City Council’s
Standards Committee for seven years - promoting,
scrutinising and monitoring standards of conduct.
Both my working and voluntary roles have given me
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Sue Murrin-Bailey
Lancashire
As a Governor, I aim to bring the needs of local
communities to the forefront of the Trust. My
experiences put me in an excellent position to do this.
I am a member of the Trust’s Chain of Survival steering
group and, as Mayoress of West Lancashire, led a
fundraising programme for over 25 defibrillators to be
installed locally. I am also a Community First
Responder.
I am the founder of a charity and lectures in business
management at a local University. With over 15 years
commercial experience at senior management level in
marketing roles, I have worked for AT&T, GUS and
Kemps - specialising in customer relationship
management.
With strong links across business, education and
community networks, I have much to offer in bringing
the needs of local communities to the attention of the
Trust and in developing awareness of the services
NWAS provides to local people.
I am also the Chairman of Lancashire Defibrillator
Campaign, a member of Ormskirk & West Lancashire
Business Focus, a Trustee of West Lancashire Council
for Voluntary Services, a Parish Councillor in Parbold
and University Representative for Rotoract.
Page 19
Simon Ryan
Lancashire
Following varied experiences in the military and fire
and rescue service, I recognise the need to ensure a
valued and respected workforce at a time of great
change, whilst ensuring the best possible service is
given to all patients.
I worked for 22 years as a Chartered Loss Adjuster,
dealing with the aftermath of incidents for insurers. I
was one of the lead adjusters who dealt with the
aftermath of the IRA’s Manchester Bomb, as well as
attending many major fires and building collapses.
by combat medics and gained knowledge of the
procedures used at incidents involving mass
casualties.
I have worked for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
since 2007. During this time I have gained further
insight into the close co-operation which exists
between the emergency services.
I live in Preston with my wife of 26 years Alison.
I served for 26 years in the Royal Naval Reserve, being
promoted a Commander and appointed CO of HMS
EAGLET, where I was in charge of over 220 staff
including a sizeable contingent of medics. I was
mobilised for operations three times and served in
Afghanistan in 2002, where I saw the work undertaken
Page 20
Joe Devaney
Merseyside
My passion for the ambulance service stems from a
personal experience in 2005 when my wife was
revived by paramedics after suffering a heart problem
whilst shopping in Liverpool. Arriving within 60
seconds, I was impressed by the Service and, in my
role as Governor; I aim to ensure the highest
standards of care remain in place for all.
In my youth, I spent two years as a volunteer teacher
in Ghana. I am currently a school governor and teach
adult protection and equality and diversity.
My wife Eileen and I have one son named Patrick.
Previously the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, I served as a
councillor for 10 years and also worked for Age
Concern Liverpool as the manager of its Independent
Living Service.
I also have a vast amount of experience as a board
member with Liverpool Philharmonic, Liverpool Tate,
St. George’s Hall Trust, Liverpool Housing Action Trust
and Community Health Council.
Page 21
Michael Gibbs
Merseyside
I was previously a paramedic at NWAS and wish to
utilise my hands on experience, coupled with business
management experience, to bring benefits to patients
and members in Merseyside, and the whole of the
North West Region.
I am very happy to have been elected as one of the
public governors for NWAS, and am looking forward to
learning, engaging and working with the other
governors.
I currently work with an acute hospital trust in acute
medicine as an advanced clinical practitioner. I have
completed my BSc Honours degree in Emergency
Practice and am currently undertaking a Masters in
Advanced Practice.
I have a great interest in public health, pre-hospital
health and social care and the development of
paramedic practice.
Prior to working in the NHS, I successfully ran my own
business in engineering for five years. I worked
throughout Scotland and England and believe the
mixture provides me with a forward thinking mind-set
and commercial acumen, which is not found in
abundance.
As a Governor for Merseyside, I will endeavour to
ensure the views of all are listened to and shared, to
provide tomorrows NWAS.
Page 22
David Skelton
Merseyside
I am a retired Engineer and Transport Access Officer. I
initially trained and worked as a Design Engineer. I
have an Honours degree in Science and Technology
from the Open University, and I am a member of the
Institute of Engineering Design and an Incorporated
Engineer.
Prior to retirement, I spent 35 years in the Public
Transport Industry, covering all aspects of the service,
but specialising in making public transport, including
vehicles, equipment, buildings and information
accessible to all. I was also my late wife's carer for the
last few years of her life.
I am also a member of Southport and Ormskirk
Hospital Trust, a member of the Royal Liverpool
University Hospital Trust and a member of
Merseycare.
I believe with my experience, and connections I can
make a valuable contribution as a Public member of
the NWAS Council of Governors.
I am involved with various charities, community
groups, Older and Disabled people's groups in
Merseyside and Sefton, Sefton Healthwatch and
Sefton Equality Partnership.
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Vacant
Merseyside
Page 24
Staff
Governors
Page 25
Deborah Bullock
Corporate Services
I joined the NHS in 1984. Prior to joining the
ambulance service I was a nurse specialising in
medical nursing in Cumbria and then oncology nursing
at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
Following this, I became a paramedic in 1992 and
progressed to training and clinical governance
manager posts and then Head of Clinical Safety for the
North West Ambulance Service in 2006.
I am passionate and enthusiastic about the Service
and in providing safe, quality care to patients in an
ever-changing society.
In my spare time I also enjoy vintage fairs, crafting,
reading, and attending music concerts and festivals!
I am now responsible for the Trust’s Clinical Safety
agenda including clinical risk, infection prevention and
control, and safeguarding vulnerable people. I am also
a member of the National Ambulance Service
Infection, Prevention and Control Group and the
National Ambulance Safeguarding group which
discusses and implements national guidance and
shares best practice.
Page 26
Julie Treharne
Corporate Services
Like many staff I joined the ambulance service because
I am passionate about patient care and wanted to play
a part in delivering a positive patient experience.
Having extensive public sector experience I bring over
20 years’ of communication and engagement
experience to my current position as Head of
Communications.
I live in Cheshire and am currently undertaking a
Masters qualification through the NHS Leadership
Programme. I believe I am a caring and conscientious
individual, with a professional approach and high
moral integrity.
working practices and patient services, which in turn
benefits us all.
I believe staff involvement is a crucial part of
becoming an effective Foundation Trust and
influencing its future direction, and this combined
with my own personal desire to make a positive
contribution is my reason for wanting to become a
Governor.
I am particularly keen to work with my fellow
Governors to support the Trust’s communication and
engagement agenda and continue to improve patient
experience.
Through different roles with the Trust, I have
facilitated or supported staff initiatives to enable them
to give their views and make suggestions to improve
Page 27
Chris Houghton
Emergency Operations Centre
I started working for North West Ambulance Service in
January 2010 as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher and
have also worked on the Community First Responder
(CFR) Desk - being responsible for the early activation
of volunteers who can help in emergency situations.
Governor and helping to develop new initiatives to
help the Trust deliver the best possible service to the
people it serves.
Outside of work, I became a CFR in 2000 and also hold
the voluntary position as Parish Councillor for the
village where I live.
I feel it’s important that the views and opinions of
staff are well represented and conveyed to the Trust’s
Board of Director when considering changes and
developments.
Believing my experiences in and out of work will give
me great insight into the challenges that are currently
being faced, I look forward to carrying out my role as
Page 28
John North
Emergency Operations Centre
I started working for what was GMAS (Greater
Manchester Ambulance Service) as an Emergency
Medical Dispatcher in 2001 and in this time I’ve seen
many changes including the merger of the four
ambulance trusts in the region.
Based at the Manchester Emergency Operations
Centre, I work as an call handler taking the various
calls the Trust receives including the emergency calls.
I have a background in nursing after working as a
psychiatric nurse in the 1980s before leaving the NHS
to work in the retail industry, where I gained a lot of
management experience both with the public and
staff.
I work as a volunteer presenter for the North West Air
Ambulance charity which promotes, raises money and
educates people about the service.
Believing that a company is only as good as its people,
I expect to listen and represent my colleague’s views
and to have an overview of the direction which the
Trust will take as a Foundation Trust.
I’m also looking forward to working alongside people
that have the same commitment as me.
Outside of work, I’m married and have five grown up
children, I have a big involvement in football and
enjoy holidaying with my wife.
Page 29
Gary Blackburn
Emergency Service
I bring to the role of Staff Governor, over 25 years’
experience in the ambulance service, having joined
Lancashire Ambulance Service at the age of 21.
My work as a paramedic on a front-line ambulance
means I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by
staff and how these challenges can affect the quality
of care the Trust aims to provide.
I am married with three teenage children.
When not at work I enjoy music, playing the piano and
guitar and like to keep fit by walking my rescue
greyhound.
My view is that the Trust’s greatest asset is its staff.
The vast majority are hardworking, dedicated and
loyal. I believe that it is vital that the Trust works in
partnership with staff in order to move forward and
improve the service delivered and the care provided.
I am very pleased to have been elected as a Staff
Governor and am keen to ensure that those delivering
first-class care, day-in, day-out, have a voice.
Page 30
Graham Curry
Emergency Service
Having joined the ambulance service in March 1974 as
an ambulance technician, I have worked in many roles
such as a shop steward, control officer, IT &
communications manager, EU project manager,
operations manager and my current role as sector
manager for South Lancashire.
I believe my extensive experience and knowledge will
help me to successfully represent the views of
colleagues and help me to challenge decisions.
I view my position as a privilege and will ensure issues
which are specific to the emergency ambulance
service will always be addressed and for concerns to
be heard and considered fully.
I am also a Justice of the Peace for the Fylde Coast
Bench.
Page 31
Ian Jones
Emergency Service
I have been working as a technician in the ambulance
service for over 37 years. During most of that time I
have also been a Union Representative and, as a
result, feel it is very important that staff have a strong
voice.
I believe it will become more important for staff to
have a strong voice when the Trust gains Foundation
Trust status and as a Governor will speak on behalf of
all staff within the emergency service to ensure their
needs are understood.
It is my intention to represent staff and have a greater
influence on the future direction that the Trust will be
taking. With the support of staff I can make a
difference in the way in which we work in the future.
Page 32
Steve Rice
Emergency Service
I joined the ambulance service in 1976 and have
experienced many changes including the introduction
of paramedic training, the first NHS trusts and the
development of the service from a local council
funded scheme to what it is today. I undertook my
paramedic training in 1993 and have been a team
leader since 2003.
During all of this time, I have been involved in the
trade union movement, not because of my political
beliefs but more to ensure fairness for staff carrying
out what is a ‘special and unique’ role within the
community.
Now Chair of the National Ambulance Committee, I
am also Vice Chair of the NHS National Advisory
Group and has a seat on the NHS Staff Council.
I consider the role of the Staff Governors is not only to
influence and contribute to the Trust’s future plans,
but more importantly to represent the views of the
staff when those plans are being developed at all
levels.
I was instrumental in setting up and developing the
Ambulance Service Union (ASU) as was the General
Secretary of the union from 1999 to 2008.
Page 33
Marica Hacking
Patient Transport Service
I joined PTS as frontline crew in 2006 and have worked
various shift lines in that time including four years of
single manned working.
My main reason for becoming a governor is to
promote the importance of the health and wellbeing
of our staff, to ensure staff are fully supported and to
assist in the communications and understanding
between crews and management.
I have obtained various qualifications over the years in
counselling, mental health, dementia and equality and
diversity as well as recently completing a staff mentor
course with NWAS. I hope that these qualifications,
combined with my own personal experiences of the
difficulties often faced by staff outside of the
workplace, will be an asset to the team when it comes
to future decision making.
Page 34
Tim McKevitt
Patient Transport Service
I want to promote the ambulance service to local
communities and partner organisations in my role as
Governor. I wants to give a voice to the Patient
Transport Service and demonstrate its importance.
Bringing to the Council a wealth of knowledge about
the ambulance service, I will utilise this to promote
the service both internally and externally.
I am a member of the road staff working in the patient
transport service team, on the Fylde coast. I am now a
member of the Patient Transport Service and also act
as a steward for Unite the union.
Outside of work, I am married with two children and
follow Doncaster Rovers.
Page 35
Vacant
Patient Transport Service
Page 36
Appointed
Governors
Page 37
Geoff Cheshire
British Red Cross
Page 38
Robin Richardson
Higher Education
I am currently a Principal Lecturer and Divisional Lead
for Emergency and Unscheduled Care in the School of
Health within the University of Central Lancashire in
Preston.
A nurse by background, my career began in the 1980s
at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. On qualifying, I
worked in several London teaching hospitals, including
the Royal Free Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital,
Paddington, where I specialised in vascular surgical
nursing before going on to be a nurse practitioner.
As the lead for emergency care in the School of Health
in UCLan, I have worked with NWAS and its legacy
Trusts in Lancashire and Cumbria in the development
of pre and post registration paramedic education
since 2004.
As the appointed governor for higher education I
hope to use my experience in healthcare and
healthcare education to inform the Council of
Governors as to how its partner Universities help
NWAS to develop their workforce, and how the
paramedic profession is developing nationally.
During the latter part of my clinical career, I began
working as an associate lecturer at Thames Valley
University, eventually taking a permanent post there,
before moving to the University of Central Lancashire
in 2003. I am currently studying for a PhD, researching
care and compassion in healthcare.
Page 39
Paula Roddy
St John Ambulance
Page 40
Monique Schurmann
Commissioner
I am an appointed Governor working for Blackpool
Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which is the lead
Commissioner for the North West Ambulance Service.
I have been working with the ambulance
commissioning team at Blackpool CCG as Quality
Manager since April 2013.
My role involves monitoring the quality of the
collaborative commissioning contracts held with the
Trust on behalf of the 33 CCGs in the North West.
Prior to my current role, I worked as Quality Manager
for Blackpool Primary Care Trust, monitoring quality
for its acute and community services contracts.
Page 41
Vacant
Council
Page 42
T: 01204 498400
E: governors@nwas.nhs.uk
North West Ambulance Service
Headquarters
Ladybridge Hall
Chorley New Road
Bolton
BL1 5DD