I'm standing to be a governor of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust as a "patient/carer" representative. I wrote about the whys and wherefores here.
Because I live in Devizes and thus within the catchment of the hospital, I'm eligible to vote for the Kennet constituency. However, this means I wouldn't normally be able to vote for the patient/carer category. As the membership manager of the Trust explained to me: "all members receive their voting packs according to their address. The Patient/Carer constituency are all the members who have attended one of our six specialities and live outside our catchment area, so they are the ones that will be voting in the Patient/Carer constituency".
I was told to destroy my Kennet voting pack and wait for the patient/carer one instead. On its arrival, I see there are two other candidates standing against me: Anita Dawn Pheby and Vivien Mills.
Anita's statement reads: "In eighteen months since election, I have worked hard to make patients' voices heard. It has been exciting, and a privilege, to serve as governor. I have participated in numerous working groups including:
- Preparing an independent report for the Healthcare Commission on patient involvement and safety, including infection control.
- Reviewing patients' and carers' experience; eliciting rapid feedback.
- Preparing newsletters; communicating with members.
- Seeking radical change in orthopaedic outpatients.
- Thrombosis prevention, achieving national exemplar status for the hospital.
"It has been hard work, but worthwhile. Many changes have been made; others are needed. I hope to continue this work."
Vivien's reads: "I am a retired Police Superintendent. I was injured on duty in 1997 and spent seven months in hospital, five in the Spinal Injury Unit at Salisbury. As a regular user of NHS facilities I have gained a valuable insight into the problems faced by staff and patients alike. I am determined to help resolve these issues and I'm not afraid to take people on to do so - especially politicians. I have previous experience as a school governor. I am a volunteer with the Prince's Trust and my hobbies include wheelchair fencing".
I wrote:"I am 43, married, have two children and live in Devizes. In 2006 I had an accident that has left me in a wheelchair. I spent 14 months in the Spinal Unit at Salisbury Hospital. I used to run my own business but am now retraining to become a primary school teacher. I know what it’s like to be a patient. As a governor, I would ensure that patients’ needs and concerns are heard. I would bring my management and fundraising skills. I would ensure that staff, particularly nurses, get wider recognition. Finally, I would improve communications to members."
The deadline for submission of votes is tomorrow. Electoral Reform Services will provide results to the Trust on 15th May. Who would you vote for?
