I qualified over 40 years ago at Harefield Hospital, my clinical nursing career has been extensive, varied and specialised, including cardio-thoracic theatre and neonatal intensive care (NICU).
I held a senior management position in Housing Options Services London Borough of Southwark, for 12 years until moving locally in 1998.
In 2015/16 I spent many months as an in-patient at Worthing Hospital following a life-threatening diagnosis. I was invited to join the Macmillan Room Steering Group at Worthing Hospital, and the Patient, Public Participation Working Group, Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance. In 2018 I set up a ‘Patient -Led’ blood cancer support group in Worthing.
I am a single mum of 3 children, my eldest son was diagnosed with Autism together with severe expressive language disorder, I am very aware of the challenges this diagnosis brings to everyday life, including within healthcare environment.
I am not afraid to ask difficult questions if necessary, and I am very keen to support the Trust and all of its dedicated staff who have and continue to work so hard to deliver an outstanding service through the most challenging times the NHS has ever seen.
I am passionate about the NHS and in particular this Trust.
I would like to make a positive contribution in continuously strengthening patient and public participation to improve access to services, reduce health inequalities and make better use of resources.