Anna Krzyzanowska
Hari Aggarwal
Natasha Turner
Candice Penfold
Carol O'Meara
Prof. Anan Shetty
Tina Rowe
Stephen Worth
William Ruscoe
Christine Palmer
Jay Patel
Tess Fenn
Paul Riley
Becky Bellars
Hari Aggarwal
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2023.
Alongside nearly 40 years working in the City, I’ve dedicated significant periods of my life to a number of voluntary roles.
- I have been a Governor at Byron County Primary School, a stones’ throw from Medway Hospital
- I was a PTFA member at Rainham Mark for over 25 years and also a Governor for over 30 years and now a board member of the Academy.
- As a director and treasurer, I helped grow the Medway Racial Equality Council, bringing together places of worship and people of different backgrounds to support integration
- I have also been a member of the Foundation Trust for almost 5 years.
Why I became a governor
Medway Hospital provides such a pivotal role in the wellbeing of the people it serves. I wanted to become a governor because I care about what happens in my local community, and so it is important to ensure the hospital performs as well as it can. I wanted to use the skills I’ve developed in my professional and personal life to support Medway Hospital in delivering the best outcomes for the community. I want to ensure patients and staff are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, and get the best possible service.
What you plan to achieve
As a Governor, I want to ensure the views of the community are respected; to ensure that the staff are engaged in the running of the hospital; and that patients receive high quality and compassionate services.
Natasha Turner
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2024.
Myself and my family have always been within the Medway towns since 2013. I’m a young mother whilst also trying to juggle my professional career. I currently work within the Finance sector of a large Insurance Market place and I believe my background of Risk and Compliance will help me within my role as governor.
Why I became a governor
Throughout my life, I have spent a lot of time at the hospital and even more so within the last few years. The children’s department has helped my family on multiple occasions and I’m always looking for ways that I can help back. When I saw the governor elections, I knew this was my calling. I’m not afraid to speak up, nor do I shy away from difficult conversations. Ultimately, we are all here for the same reason and I hope, within my time as governor I can help as much as possible, and I will do everything I can to bridge the gap between the public and the Trust.
Candice Penfold
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2024.
My work and interests are in supporting my community. In my work life, I am an Urgent Care Clinical Support Worker and Registered Adult Nurse Apprentice.
In my free time I am a trustee with a Medway homelessness prevention charity, a peer supporter in an art group for people with chronic mental health problems; I facilitate basic life support lessons for home educated children; I run community support groups to talk about grief, death and dying; and I am a cheerleader of Medway Festivals – having been part of them for over a decade through my work with Better Medway and Medway Council.
Why I became a governor
The future of my home towns are important to me and my family. The health and wellbeing of our community directly impacts us all – we all do better when our neighbours are all cared for. I am raising my family in Medway, my nieces and nephews are being raised in Swale, and I want all their futures to be positive.
What I plan to achieve
As a public representative I am keen to support policy which strengthens links between the community and Medway NHS Foundation Trust to improve care for patients caught in the middle – many of the pressures of Medway Maritime, Sittingbourne Memorial and Sheppey Community Hospitals are directly caused by the lack of community support services for physical and mental health conditions, lack of nursing and residential home places, lack of social housing and supported living facilities, difficulties with obtaining GP appointments, and long waits for referrals. With my links to Medway Council, community support groups and local charities and businesses, I hope to act as a bridge to strengthen relationships between them so that we can hopefully lessen that shortfall and get the best health outcomes for the people that live and work here in Medway and Swale.
Carol O'Meara
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2024.
I have worked and lived in Medway since 1970. I am a qualified nurse who has held both frontline and management posts in both the NHS and Social Services department locally until I retired in 2018.
I have become a governor because I would like to make a contribution to the development of the Health Service in Medway.
Prof. Anan Shetty
MChir., FRCS Eng., FACS, FRCS Orth., FRSM
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2022.
I am an Emeritus Professor of Orthopaedics and a consultant knee and Limb Reconstruction Surgeon. I am a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS Eng.,), Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, London (FRSM).
I was awarded the prestigious Hunterian Surgical Medal and Hunterian Professorship in 2017 by the Royal College of surgeons of England, London, for my work on the stem cell research and its clinical application.
Since my arrival in UK from India in 1985, I have lived most of life in the Medway towns with my wife Saritha and daughter Neha, who is a budding scientist. I call Medway my home, and I am proud to be part of this community.
What skills do I bring to this role
As a surgeon in the front line of care delivery for 35 years in the Medway towns, as a person who values and uses care provided by the NHS, as someone who is an innovator, educator, and carer, I feel I have the insights, the awareness and the passion that is needed by this role. I have a strong organisational and leadership experience, in the running of NHS.
What I plan to achieve
Medway Maritime Hospital is under constant and significant strain, both because of the constraints on the hospital due to its age and configuration, and especially because of its population catchment. I would like to work towards building a new hospital with modern facilities and adequate capacity on a different site or on two-sites, with new elective care facilities being built at a new site and emergency care remaining and expanding at the current site.
Tina Rowe
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2022
Tina has lived and worked in Medway since 2007, and is a regular visitor to the hospital. She is an experienced, qualified social worker and often works in close partnership with Medway Hospital staff, and also in partnership with a range of Medway Council departments.
Meet Stephen
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2024.
I am a highly experienced IT Architecture professional, with digital transformation, strategic governance, and board level stakeholder management. My professional experience spans Defence, Aerospace, Government and Finance, with a passion for both design and innovation. I held the position of Chief Architect at the Department of Health and Care Quality Commission between 2006 and 2011.
I am a champion for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), with fostering openness, sustainability, and respect within the workplace.
I was honoured in 2018 with a Royal Humane Society award for administering lifesaving CPR to a lady suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.
Why I became a governor
I become a governor after the amazing care my father received at Medway Hospital. The nurses, staff and volunteers on McCulloch and Lawrence wards were both professional and caring. I hope to bring my professional skills and experience to the role of Public Governor to support Medway NHS Foundation Trust in providing the best of care for our local community.
Portfolio:
- Enterprise Architecture
- Digital Transformation / Modernisation
- AI (Artificial Intelligence)
- IT (Information Technology)
- ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance
William Ruscoe
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2024.
Professional career
In my professional working life as a Design Engineer I worked on unilateral projects around the world and in the UK, with organisations such as the Royal British Legion Housing Association and the Medway Maritime Hospital (installation of the first CT scanner), and also other hospital projects throughout the South East.
Others included the Child Line Project, all in association with Government/Local Authority, including financial project control on all industrial developments throughout the UK and around the world, such as coal/nuclear power stations, copper and potash mining acting within various Consulting Engineering Partnerships.
Why I became a governor
I have a long association with Mental Health at Medway Maritime Hospital, especially the Mental Health Wing and as Chairman of a mental health group supporting families who care for loved ones in crisis, I feel I would be an asset to the Council of Governors.
In addition, becoming a governor allows me to help make a difference to all patients and staff, ensuring a smooth transition throughout the Hospital eliminating any issues arising from negative press, ensuring our hospital has the best reviews that the NHS has to offer the citizens of Medway and Swale.
Christine Palmer
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2024.
I have lived in Newington for about 35 years. I currently work for a first aid training company, but my main career background is in health and social care. I worked for KCC and then Medway Council, firstly as a home care manager and then as a senior team leader within a care home for older people. When I left, I went on to work for a small company based in East Sussex that provided specialist residential care for adults with Prader Willi Syndrome. I eventually became the registered manager of one of the group homes.
In May 2023 I was elected as a Borough Councillor for Swale. I am on the Health and Housing Committee, the Environment Committee and am Vice Chair of the Western Area Committee.
Much of my work has involved working alongside professionals within the health and social care sector. I have knowledge of excellent services and of issues that were not so great. I believe that knowledge is power and that to succeed you must have good communication and people skills. It is important to respect and treat people as you would wish to be treated and to be able to have an approach that is not judgmental and is respectful to all people.
Why I became a governor
I put myself forward to be a governor because I want to represent the residents of Swale by communicating what is important to them, whether it be good or bad. I want to do my best to make sure that the people working within the Trust are listened to and respected and that the people in charge are supported in the challenges they face and are accountable for when things go wrong. The people within Swale deserve to have access to a service of excellence when it comes to their health and wellbeing and I hope I can play an active role in this.
Jay Patel
Elected as public governor for the Trust in 2022
Living in Swale, I’ve had a long association with Medway hospital, starting as a volunteer back in my student days and also as a patient. I knew very early on that I wanted to follow a career in healthcare.
Having completed a degree in pharmacy at university in London, I qualified as a pharmacist shortly afterwards. Since then, I have worked in many different roles (both clinical and non-clinical) in a variety of public and private sector organisations. These include community pharmacies; GP surgeries; nursing homes; a veterinary medicines supplier; a specialist home healthcare medicines supplier and HM Prison service.
More recently, I worked in the pharma industry where I was involved with the manufacture and supply of specialty medicines. Here, I managed a team providing technical and operational insight for quality related matters.
In addition to healthcare experience across different sectors, I have had valuable exposure to the formulation of medicines; production; good manufacturing practice; procurement; logistics; risk analysis and management; lean management techniques; facilities management; audits and inspections.
I’ve always had an interest in property and construction so to get more involved, a few years ago, I undertook training which allowed me to act as a site manager. Together with my healthcare background, I’ve had the opportunity of running small development projects from start to finish whilst also managing all aspects of health and safety onsite.
Why I became a governor
I wanted to stand as a governor so that I could contribute towards shaping the future of health services in the community I live in. I wanted to represent fellow residents and work with decision makers and senior management and using my professional background and experience, ensure that the local services we use are delivered to the highest standards possible.
What I plan to achieve
I believe that I can make a positive impact on the Trust and ultimately benefit patients. I would like to improve communication and engagement between all parties involved with the Trust. I am an advocate of using holistic and evidence-based approaches to solve problems and am keen to look at the root cause of issues and challenges affecting our community before attempting to come up with suitable solutions.
I am grateful for being given this opportunity and look forward to working in close collaboration with local residents and the Trust.
Tess Fenn
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2024.
Before recently retiring, I had a 50+ year long career as an Educationalist and a Pharmacy Technician healthcare professional. During this time, I worked in numerous pharmacy sectors in Kent and London. These included hospitals, community pharmacy, primary care and academia, finishing my NHS career at Guy’s and St Thomas.
Realising my passion for teaching and developing others, I qualified as a teacher graduating from Canterbury Christ Church University in 2004. From this I taught pharmacy in the workplace at Bromley College and went on to externally quality assure pharmacy vocational qualifications for City and Guilds. Utilising my knowledge and skills, I have led on the development of many national pharmacy technician qualifications and other professional developments.
I am currently a fellow of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK) and have been an active member of the association throughout my career. Representing my profession, I have held national APTUK director posts of Branch Secretary, Education Officer, Vice President and I was the President/CEO from 2014 to 2019. I have sat on numerous Department of Health and NHS England committees and task groups and am currently a member of the APTUK Fellow’s advisory forum. Through my previous role as Director and Secretary of the European Association of Pharmacy Technicians I also sit on its advisory group.
As a passionate advocate for quality healthcare, I am vice chair of the Memorial Medical Centre Patient Participation Group and a member of the Swale Patient Liaison Group. As a Public Governor, I am keen to play an active role in ensuring that the needs of patients and the diversity of the local Swale community are addressed. I feel this will be achieved by hearing and listening to patients’ voices. Supporting Medway NHS Foundation Trust to be the best it can be, I am keen to ensure performance is measured knowledgeably and fairly. In addition, that its policies and priorities are sufficiently debated so that services are based on the local needs and evidence.
Becky Bellars
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2022.
I was elected in August as our new Rest of England and Wales Governor.
I have worked in health and policy for almost 20 years, and currently work in the charity sector to lobby government for change and provide support to patients. Though my experience is UK-wide, I grew up in Medway and recognise the needs of the area.
Joy Onuoha
Karen Fegan
Yushreen Vadamootoo
Donna Findlater
Matt Taiano
Joy Onuoha
Elected as a staff governor in 2024.
I have worked as a Staff Nurse in the NHS for over a year, primarily on Sapphire Ward and currently in the Endoscopy Suite. My journey in the NHS began when I relocated to Medway as part of the OSCE (Objective Structure Clinical Examination) programme. Prior to that, I spent three years as a nurse in Nigeria where I began my nursing career. I am now eager to take my career to the next level through additional training with the Florence Nightingale Foundation Academy, an opportunity that I am very excited about!
Why I became a governor
I thoroughly enjoy my job here at Medway NHS Foundation Trust and making a difference to a patient’s journey. My colleagues are also important to me, and I really want to help them with their work journeys; advocating their interests, and concerns and ensuring their voices are integral to the hospital’s decision-making process. I believe a good work environment equates to better patient care. As a staff Governor, I can be that voice for them.
Also, as an internationally educated Nurse, I am interested in ensuring the smooth integration and transition of various internationally educated staff and fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment where all staff members feel valued, appreciated and empowered to deliver the highest standards of care.
Karen Fegan
Elected as a staff governor in 2023.
I started as a volunteer aged 16 making beds at All Saints Hospital. I joined the Army Q.A.R.A.N.C. at 18 and trained as an RGN and used to do bank shifts at Medway when on Army leave. I trained as a midwife and served for 14 years around the world in Germany, Hong Kong and Gibraltar. I have been a local school governor at Twydall, Chair of Sir Joseph Williamsons School PTA and Chair of the Royal College of Midwives Medway. I have worked as a specialist midwife here since 1999 and last year became a Matron in maternity services. My son works here as well in Pathology.
Why I became a governor
I want to continue to ‘make a difference’ at Medway. I want to be approachable for staff so I can address on their behalf issues of concern. I care for the Medway family, it’s all about team work and listening to each other. Promotion of our hospital and the services we offer that provide for many of our own families, friends and local residents is so important, to ensure we meet and exceed acceptable standards.
Special interests
I sing in my church choir and am involved in many church activities. I love to cross stitch to relax. I have 2 Labradors and 2 cats. I have been very fortunate to cruise and have been to many unusual places such as Greenland and The Falklands. I prefer cold places to warm!
Yushreen Vadamootoo
Elected as a staff governor in 2024.
I have worked for Medway NHS Foundation Trust for the last 15 years and I have been trained here. Currently, I’m an Acute Response Team (ART) Senior Sister. I teach on ALERT and BEACH courses and have been facilitating teaching within the Trust. I’m presently working on a project called the “deteriorating patient programme” which aims to improve patient safety and I’m very passionate about it. I have recently been nominated as most committed nurse, most compassionate nurse and best nurse team player.
Why I became a governor
Becoming a Staff Governor was a decision driven by a deep sense of commitment and responsibility to both my colleagues and organisation. I wanted to ensure that the voices and concerns of staff members are heard at the highest levels of decision-making. As a Staff Governor, I can advocate for fair policies, better working conditions and the professional development of my colleagues which I’m very passionate about. I can request for more training opportunities, mentorship programmes and career development where the Trust will retain staff.
By serving as a liaison, I aim to bridge any gaps and facilitate a transparent flow of information, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative work environment. I aim to champion initiatives that promote well-being, diversity and inclusivity, making our workplace not just a place to work, but a community where everyone feels valued and respected. I strongly believe in the Trust values, therefore as a Staff Governor I can play a more active role in guiding our organisation towards achieving its goals and making a positive impact on our community.
I became a Staff Governor to advocate for my colleagues, improve communication, contribute to strategic planning, promote professional development, foster a positive work environment, grow as a leader, and support our Trust’s values. It is a role I undertake with great enthusiasm and dedication.
Donna Findlater
Elected as a staff governor in 2024.
I have a natural affinity for encouraging people across all walks of life, after over a decade spent being supportive of colleagues and children in various roles within an Educational background. I felt a move was needed in order to broaden my horizons and bring that same “can do” attitude into a new role. Being relatively new to the NHS family, I have already made a positive impact on staff morale and well-being and continually look towards the future, hoping to promote a welcoming atmosphere within the Hospital environment for Staff and patients alike. I enjoy early morning swims to help clear my mind and keep me active while committed to a healthy work/ life balance, believing that something as simple as a smile can make a huge difference.
Matt Taiano
Elected as a staff governor in 2024.
I am Matt, a Resuscitation Officer at Medway NHS Foundation Trust. I have a background in Critical Care Nursing and Adult Education.
I have been at the Trust since 2009 in various roles from Student Nurse, Staff Nurse to now Resuscitation Officer.
I currently work in the Resuscitation Service that covers, investigates and reviews all emergencies directly relating to 2222 cardiac arrest calls for Adults and Peadiatrics. We also provide all the clinical resuscitation training for the Trust.
I am currently training to be an RCN Rep for the Trust too.
Why I became a governor
I became a Staff Governor owing the fact I struggle in everyday life with my Neuro-Divergence. Through my lived struggles I have realised that I have strengths that others may not. I’m very good at seeing the bigger picture before it’s been painted, this by connecting people from all backgrounds in a shared goal to make Medway NHS Foundation Trust a phytologically safe Trust to work in. Through shared knowledge and experience all staff who struggle should be given every opportunity to be their best versions of themselves.
Being Neuro Divergent means I can bring my skills and staff department links, as a governor, to signpost the “Whole Staff Voice” to the executive level, this, by acting as a sounding board that transfers in both directions.
Medway Council
Cllr David Brake
Helen Belcher
Cllr John Wright
Dr Susan Plummer
Professor Claire Peppiatt-Wildman
Cllr Angela Harrison
Cllr David Brake
Married with three grown up children and supported by his wife Carmita. Born and grown up in Medway, David has lived in Walderslade for over 40 years. He is a retired Engineering Manager, having also lived and worked overseas in France and Mexico, as well as serving with Voluntary Service Overseas in Ecuador. As a Conservative Councillor for Walderslade, David works on behalf of residents in solving local issues and concerns. Responsible for Adult Services and Public Health across Medway, he has overseen changes designed to improve services. A keen scout, David is District Vice President of Medway Towns Scouts and considers working with young people to be a privilege and a rewarding pastime. Further community involvement comes through Rotary and supporting local charities, including Safer Kent of which he is chairman and a Trustee of the Rochester Veterans Club. David served as a Justice of the Peace until he retired in 2017 and takes pride in family values.
David is a partner Governor representing Medway Council, in his role as a Councillor. He was also elected as Lead Governor in September 2021, responsible for drawing together the views of the governors and co-ordinating scrutiny of and feedback to the Trust Board.
Helen Belcher
Retired Registered General Nurse worked in NHS for over 37 years across the South East as a Nurse, Clinical/General Manager in Acute Hospitals and Local Community settings.
Work life included strategic developments/project management /clinical leadership and day to day management of both Acute Hospitals and Community services working across boundaries with a variety of stakeholders to secure best practice clinical pathways.
Why I became a governor
Following retirement, I was asked to consider becoming a Trustee for The Medway League of Friends supporting the group with strategic /clinical input /governance and training.
I accepted and was subsequently asked to take over the role of Partner Governor Charities which I was pleased to accept.
What I plan to achieve:
- Keep up to date with the developments within the organisation for the benefit of patients as this will help in determining the outputs of the The Medway League of Friends
- Contribute to discussions of the Charitable Funds Committee ensuring the group is held to account for decisions made
- Contribute to decisions made over the allocation of Funds in the best interest of staff, patients and carers
- Represent the views of staff patients and carers to support the development of services within the Trust and across the community
Special interests:
- Development of new services/clinical pathways and how they are measured
- Development of services locally given the development of new technology
- Staff recruitment /development to meet on going future health needs
Cllr John Wright
I am currently the sitting KCC Member for the Sittingbourne South Division with a strong interest in the health and wellbeing of residents.
I run my own business in Swale and have been a Swale borough councillor from 2001 to 2019 having had several Cabinet roles during my service for the council.
Cabinet member for Regeneration and later Cabinet Member for Housing.
Being elected as a Kent County Councillor in May 2017 and just re-elected in May 2021.
Why I became a governor
I became a governor of the trust to further the links and partnership between Kent County Council and the trust to better the overall service of both organisations which influence the experience of residents through KCC social services and the hospital which are closely linked particularly in the discharge process from the hospital. To also influence the transformational change in medical care and services available in the area particularly around care in the community.
What I plan to achieve:
I plan to keep residents informed of important developments in health care, particularly important during the Covid epidemic
Help with the partnership working between the trust and KCC social services.
Highlight issues of importance to the Trust and Kent County Council particularly around population growth and facilities and services that are required to service that population in a timely and effective manner throughout the health care system.
Special interests:
- Member and Public engagement
- Mental Health and dementia care
Dr Susan Plummer
Dr Sue Plummer is the Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences and Medway Campus Director at Canterbury Christ Church University where she has worked since 2008.
Sue’s professional background is in adult and psychiatric nursing. She has a BA in Nursing Education (Royal College of Nursing / Manchester University); an MSc in Clinical Mental Health Nursing (Institute of Psychiatry/ Kings College London); an MSc in Epidemiology (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine / Kings College London) and a PhD in Psychiatry (Institute of Psychiatry / Kings College London).
Sue’s career has been in teaching, research and clinical practice across a variety of areas of healthcare. She believes that every person has the right to the highest quality evidence based healthcare and that this is the ultimate aim of the work of herself and the Institute.
Professor Claire Peppiatt-Wildman
Professor Claire Peppiatt-Wildman graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Medical Biochemistry from Royal Holloway University of London in 1999 and a PhD in Cellular Physiology in 2002 from the University of Cambridge (Babraham Institute; supervised by Professor Sir Michael Berridge). Subsequently, she worked as a Research Associate in the laboratory of Professor David Attwell (FRS) at University College London (UCL), then the laboratories of Professor William Large at St George’s Medical School University of London.In 2007, Claire was awarded a significant Medical Research Council (MRC) Career Development Award (5 years) to conduct independent research in the Department of Physiology, UCL and then at the Royal Veterinary College. Since joining the University of Kent in 2012, she has worked as a Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer before becoming a Professor of Human Physiology in 2018. Claire currently leads the Urinary System Physiology Unit, a research group originally founded in 2008 that is now internationally recognised for its significant contributions to the field.
Claire regularly presents at conferences worldwide upon invitation and has organised international conferences and research symposiums for numerous international meetings. Her work is creating impact and has altered clinical practice. Her research on regulation of blood flow in organs and tissue and has lead her to collaborate on the regulation of blood flow in skeletal muscle and injured tissue. Claire works with clinicians at East Kent Hospital University Foundation Trust on the side-effects of prophylactic agents used in the field of sports medicine.
Cllr Angela Harrison
I have been a Swale Borough Councillor for a number of years, representing Sheerness Ward. From 2019 to 2022 I was Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and since May 2022, when the Council moved back to a Committee system from a Cabinet system, I have been Vice-Chair of Housing and Health.
I served two terms on Kent County Council, both times sitting on the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Over the years, I have seen many excellent examples of healthcare provided by the hospitals in Kent, but I am particularly interested in Medway because it is the local hospital for residents of Sittingbourne and Sheppey. I take a great interest in the care of elderly residents in hospital, and the communication which takes place between patients and/or their families, and staff in the hospital. I am looking forward to making a contribution to the upward trajectory of the Medway Maritime Hospital.
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