The Leadership Team
Jayne Black
Jayne Black became Chief Executive in August 2022.
Jayne joined the Trust in November 2021 as Chief Operating Officer before becoming Interim Chief Executive in June 2022.
Jayne has considerable NHS leadership experience and is a trained nurse. She has worked across acute, community and the wider system throughout her career, in a variety of roles, including Director of Operations, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer.
Alison Davis
Alison joined the Trust as Chief Medical Officer in January 2022.
Alison started her clinical career as a paediatric ophthalmologist and has worked as a consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St Georges Hospital Tooting, Croydon University Hospital and as an honorary consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Alison was previously the Deputy Medical Director at Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Medical Director at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
Alison is committed to clinical quality improvement and has been a GIRFT (Getting It Right First Time) clinical ambassador for all specialities across London and an ophthalmology national co-lead.
Portfolio
- Caldicott Guardian
- Research and Innovation
- Medical Education and Library
- Medico-Legal
- Medical Examiner
- Information Governance
Sarah Vaux
Sarah has worked in the NHS for more than 35 years, starting her career by training as a nurse here at Medway Maritime Hospital.
Sarah has worked as a nurse, midwife, health visitor and as a safeguarding specialist nurse locally and across the south east, before going on to hold a number of nursing executive and leadership positions.
Before joining Medway, Sarah’s most recent role was as Director of Nursing for NHS England South East Region.
Portfolio
- Quality
- Nursing Standards, Practice, Workforce Education
- PALS
- Chaplaincy
- Safeguarding
- Volunteers
- End of Life, Dementia, Infection Control
- Governance, Risk and Legal
- Health and Safety
Nick Sinclair
Nick Sinclair was appointed Chief Operating Officer in April 2023.
Nick trained as a paramedic in Kent and specialised in trauma management and urgent care. He held several operational and educational management roles within the ambulance service.
He then moved to the acute sector leading significant improvement in emergency care standards, planned care performance and has held various senior leadership roles in operations.
He is a graduate from the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Masters in Healthcare Leadership programme and has qualified as a Service Improvement Practitioner.
Nick is driven by delivering high performing services which put the patient at the centre of what they do. He is committed to driving improvement and implementing new ways of working and maximising the benefits of technology in healthcare.
Portfolio
- Medicine and Emergency Care
- Surgery and Anaesthetics
- Cancer and Core Clinical Services
- Women, Children and Young People
- Central Operations
- Estates and Facilities
Leon Hinton
Leon Hinton joined the Trust in April 2017 as the Deputy Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development and became Chief People Officer in November 2018.
Leon brings a wealth of experience, having worked in a number of hospitals in the NHS. He holds Chartered Fellow status with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development; a Master of Chemistry degree from the University of Warwick and postgraduate degrees in Human Resources Management (University of Wolverhampton) and Strategic Workforce Planning (University of West London).
Leon was an integral part of the leadership team at Great Ormond Street Hospital who won the Healthcare People Management Association Award in 2015 for improved HR capability.
Leon leads on the Trust’s People Strategy, which includes talent management; equality, diversity and inclusion; and ensuring we have the right skills for the future.
Portfolio
- Employee Relations
- Equality and Inclusion
- Resourcing
- Organisational Development
- Nursery
- Workforce Systems and Payroll
- Communications and Engagement
Alan Davies
Alan Davies joined the Trust in November 2020 and brings with him extensive finance experience in the NHS having worked in acute, commissioning and strategic settings.
He was previously Chief Finance Officer for Luton NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and before that Deputy Finance Director at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Alan has a strong track record in improving financial performance and strengthening governance in NHS organisations in support of improving care for patients.
Alan is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants.
Portfolio
- Finance
- Commissioning
- Contracts
- Procurement
Gavin MacDonald
Gavin MacDonald was appointed Chief Delivery Officer in June 2023.
Gavin trained as a registered nurse in Scotland and specialised in critical care. He has held several senior management positions in England and Wales in acute hospitals, integrated care organisations and with NHS Improvement.
He is a graduate from the national chief operating officer programme and has held chief operating officer roles in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, North Wales and Kent.
He holds a Master’s degree in leadership and management, has a diploma in health emergency planning and is a quality improvement and service redesign practitioner.
Gavin is motivated by delivering quality, cost effective services for our local population, and is committed to supporting and enabling operational and clinical teams to deliver the best care in the right setting.
Portfolio
Transformation and Continuous Improvement
Business Planning and Performance
Business Intelligence
Information Technology
Digital transformation
Commercial
Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO)
Please note: Evonne Hunt, Chief Nursing Officer, is currently on external secondment.
Non-Executive Directors
Mark Spragg
Mark Spragg was appointed as a non-executive director in April 2017, and became Acting Chair in November 2023.
He is a qualified solicitor with more than 30 years’ experience. Mark is both a civil and criminal litigation specialist with expertise in financial services and has been involved in a number of notable cases.
Mark is involved in charity work and his interests include skiing and scuba diving.
Membership of committees:
Audit and Risk Committee
Finance, Performance and Planning Committee
Quality Assurance Committee
People Committee
Nominations and Remunerations Committee
Charities Committee
Adrian Ward
Adrian Ward was appointed as a non-executive director in August 2017.
Adrian graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1996 and spent a number of years working as a small animal vet in the south of England. After leaving general practice in 2011, he worked for a pharmaceutical company as a Veterinary Advisor and developed an interest in the development of antimicrobial resistance and the strategies that can be used to slow this process.
A passionate advocate of responsible antimicrobial use, Adrian spent a number of years presenting on the subject and worked with professional bodies and key opinion leaders in order to develop educational materials on the subject.
Following the birth of his son in 2014, Adrian returned to small animal practice as a locum and began work as a Case Examiner for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in their professional conduct department, later being appointed as a Chair (Fitness to Practice Panel) for the Nursing and Midwifery Council in 2017. He continues to promote responsible antibiotic use and infection control strategies through his work with the British Small Animal Veterinary Association and Bella Moss Foundation.
A keen amateur triathlete, photographer and software developer, Adrian has rapidly discovered that being a father to a toddler leaves little room for hobbies and that his DIY skills need to improve dramatically if his gadgets are to remain safe from little fingers.
Membership of committees:
Audit and Risk Committee
Quality Assurance Committee
People Committee
Nominations and Remunerations Committee
Charities Committee
Paulette Lewis MBE
Paulette Lewis MBE was appointed as a non-executive director in November 2022.
Paulette has worked for over 35 years in a variety of healthcare settings, gaining wide experience across acute and community services. She has held several senior/executive posts, including Director of Midwifery and Children Services, Executive Director Nursing and Director of the Pan London Maternity Service Review.
Paulette is a leadership and management consultant and has spent a great deal of her time mentoring and coaching individuals to help them reach their full potential.
In 2000, Paulette received a silver award for excellence in healthcare. In 2002, her charitable and leadership work was recognised by her receiving the European Social and Humanitarian award, and she received the Zenith Global Healthcare Award as special recognition for her global healthcare work. She
Paulette was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2014 for her work and contribution to nursing and charity work.
Membership of committees:
Quality Assurance Committee (Chair)
People Committee
Nominations and Remunerations Committee
Charities Committee
Annyes Laheurte
Annyes Laheurte was appointed as non-executive director in April 2021.
Annyes has over 25 years’ experience in financial reporting together with financial planning and analysis for international organisations.
Whilst working at Lloyd’s of London, she focussed on financial controls, process enhancements and safeguarding the Society’s assets by mitigating operational risks.
Annyes is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (1991) and member of the Institute of Risk Management (2007) and was awarded specialist status in 2009.
Annyes is Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee of the British Association for Music Therapy and Treasurer of Funding For All.
In her spare time, Annyes plays the flute and is learning the cello. She is a member of a Kent Amateur Orchestra and sings with Cantium singers. Outside music, Annyes enjoys travelling and skiing.
Membership of committees:
Audit and Risk Committee (Chair)
Finance, Performance and Planning Committee
Nominations and Remunerations Committee
Charities Committee (Chair)
Sue Mackenzie
Sue Mackenzie was appointed as a non-executive director in January 2020 and is Acting Senior Independent Director.
Sue was the Operations and Business Transformation Director for P&O Ferries, responsible for all operational matters and 2,500 staff working in ports and on ships across Europe. She also led a highly complex transformation programme across all areas of the business.
Sue and her team were focussed on continually improving service delivery and customer experience for three million freight units, nine million passengers and two million tourist vehicles carried each year from over 30 European locations.
Previously, Sue was Operations Director at London Luton Airport at a time of unprecedented growth following the launch of easyJet. Responsible for all landside and airside operations, it fell to her to put in place strategies for developing the airport at pace, in order to capitalise on that growth.
Sue’s early career was spent in the Army. She distinguished herself as the best student on her course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was subsequently appointed to a number of international leadership roles.
After leaving the Army Sue spent time as Chief Executive of the charity Cities in Schools (CiS), which ran partnership programmes between business and the community to provide education to disadvantaged young people.
Sue has degrees in Agricultural Science and Emergency Planning Management and has completed the General Management Programme at Harvard Business School.
Sue is involved as a trustee / volunteer with several charities and in her spare time enjoys; travelling, skiing, diving and running with her dog.
Membership of committees:
Finance, Performance and Planning Committee
People Committee (Chair)
Nominations and Remunerations Committee (Chair)
Charities Committee
Professor Mojgan Sani
Professor Mojgan Sani was appointed as non-executive director in September 2023.
Mojgan’s professional background is Chief Pharmacist, Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer, and Director of Medicines Optimisation in large, complex multi-site NHS acute hospitals. Her recent experience has been as the Corporate Director of Clinical Outcomes and Effectiveness within the NHS.
She has also served as a Trustee to the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD), and as a Public Governor to a large complex mental health NHS trust.
She is the South-East South-Central chair of the National Quality Improvement and Clinical Audit Network (NQICAN), a visiting professor at a number of universities for Medicines Optimisation and Clinical Pharmacy, and a non-executive director and Chair of the Primary Care Committee for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board.
Mojgan is passionate about the quality of clinical care offered to patients, service transformation and improved outcomes.
Membership of committees:
Audit and Risk Committee
Quality Assurance Committee
Nominations and Remunerations Committee
Charities Committee
Gary Lupton
Gary Lupton was appointed as non-executive director in September 2023.
Gary was the Executive Director of Estates and Facilities at the Trust from 2018 to 2022 and contributed to the Estates Strategic vision for the NHS in Medway and Swale from 2020 to 2022.
After leaving the Trust he travelled across Asia, learning about the culture and architecture. He has also provided mentoring support to a number of NHS individuals and supported Medway Estates and Facilities department through a transitional period.
Gary worked in the NHS for more than 20 years and held senior management roles in finance, cardiology, respiratory, site management and estates and facilities; prior to this he worked in banking and finance.
During his career Gary led on transformational changes in Kent and Medway, including the implementation of the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) service based at the Wiliam Harvey Hospital in Ashford and the procurement of one of the first private hospitals in the NHS.
Membership of committees:
Audit and Risk Committee
Finance, Performance and Planning Committee (Chair)
People Committee
Nominations and Remunerations Committee
Charities Committee
Jenny Chong
Jenny Chong was appointed a non-executive director in January 2020.
enny has a 20-year career in investment banking technology. She grew up in Singapore, and after graduating from the London School of Economics, she joined Credit Suisse. Starting in equities, she has since worked across client relationship management, infrastructure, software engineering, application development, program management, big data and artificial intelligence.
Her most recent role was Credit Suisse’s Global Head of Electronic Communications Surveillance, product owner of their award-winning regulatory compliance platform.
Jenny is currently Head of Innovation and Data Analytics for KogoPay, a mobile payments FinTech; Managing Partner of Knightingale Consulting; and a Technology Advisor to various early-stage start-ups.
She also sits on various committees for The Design Museum and Egypt Exploration Society; and on the global advisory board for Business of Data. She is a mentor and advisor with Imperial College London’s Imperial Venture Mentoring Scheme and their Engineering Faculty’s Imperial Technology Experts Service.
Jenny is actively involved in various initiatives to promote STEM, gender equality, diversity and inclusion. She most recently won the 2019 Tech Star award at the “Women in Banking and Finance Annual Awards for Achievement”.
Membership of committees:
Quality Assurance Committee
People Committee
Nominations and Remunerations Committee
Charities Committee
Professor Chris Burton
Professor Chris Burton was appointed as an academic non-executive director in February 2024.
Chris is the Head of School of Allied and Public Health Professions and Research Supervisor at Canterbury Christ Church University.
He trained as a Registered General Nurse in Glasgow and his main ambition is to improve life for patients and families affected by stroke.
His research concentrates on closing the gaps between evidence and the delivery of care. Chris has grown a significant programme of research, mainly in stroke, nursing and rehabilitation, and has supported service improvement through a wide range of bespoke organisational development programmes. Chris is particularly interested in developing partnership working with health and other service partners, including the development of Clinical Academic, Improvement and Education Pathways with the NHS.
Governors and Engagement
Governors are elected by members and staff to represent their interests.
They also ensure that the Board fulfils the requirements of NHS England (the Trust’s independent regulator), and acts in accordance with the Trust’s stated objectives.
There are three types of governors:
- Public Governors – elected by members to represent their constituency (Medway, Swale and the Rest of England and Wales)
- Partner Governors – nominated by local organisations with which the Trust has a working relationship
- Staff Governors – elected by staff members to represent their views
- appointing and removing the chair, non-executive directors and external auditor
- approving the appointment of future Trust chief executives
- receiving the Trust’s annual accounts, auditor’s report and annual report
- setting non-executive directors’ remuneration and allowances
- being consulted on the development of future plans for the Trust and of any significant changes to the way services are provided
- representing the view of their constituents
The Engagement Team at Medway NHS Foundation Trust support governors in engaging with their local communities in Medway and Swale, enabling them to talk to people about their experiences of using Trust services. This feedback is then used to ensure the patients’ voice is heard throughout the decision-making process as we build or develop services.
Q – Do governors receive free car parking?
A – Yes, they receive free parking for governor meetings and events
Q – Are governors employed by the Trust?
A – No, governors are not employed and do not receive a salary, but can claim expenses for governor-related duties
Q – Can governors access staff areas?
A – No, unless they are invited to do so
Q – Can governors act as representatives, or advise on individual issues such as complaints?
A – No, governors can listen to people and patients and direct them to the most appropriate channel. They take into account the feedback which they receive, and use this to identify any areas of concern which they would like to raise to the Board.
This is your opportunity to make a difference. As part of the role, you will:
- Represent the interests of the Trust’s members – helping the voice of staff, patients and the public to be heard
- Learn about the hospital’s services
- Undertake training and development to support you in the role
- Take part in engagement activities and events, allowing you to meet your constituents
- Hold the Non-Executive Directors to account for the performance of the Trust.
Members can apply to become a governor of the constituency in which they reside (Medway, Swale or Rest of England).
Governors are elected for a term of three years and can stand for re-election once (giving a total length of service of six years).
They are asked to commit eight to ten hours a month to their role.
The role is unpaid, but governors can claim reasonable travel expenses.
Governors are expected to adhere to the Trust’s Code of Conduct and attend meetings of the Council of Governors, which take place four times a year.
Governors are also expected to attend the Annual General Meeting and any other meetings identified by the Council.
Governors should be willing to take part in engagement activities to fully represent the views of their constituents.
Upcoming elections
Details of any upcoming elections will be added here.
Public Governors
Hari Aggarwal
Appointed 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.
Jacqui Hackwell
Appointed as a public governor for the Trust in May 18
I spent many years as a teacher within Further Education and in many roles within the local authority, most recently as Head of the Youth Service and Youth Offending team. Therefore, it is no surprise that I am a keen advocate for young people and their interests.
I now teach young people within Medway within the Adult Education service and at a secondary school.
I have always lived and worked in the Medway Towns, and my two daughters went to local schools. I have been fortunate to travel extensively with my family and due to a previous career as a travel agent. In my spare time I support a local charity in an administration role to offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to young people.
Why I became a governor
I have gained a lot of local experience during my time living and working in Medway and I feel that, as a governor, I may be able to help develop relationships between the local community and the Trust, during a time of change and development.
What I plan to achieve
As a public representative I want to ensure that the views of the community are sought and listened to.
I am also very keen to support services that serve our elderly community, ensuring that they are able to use the hospital and have a clear pathway which steers them to community support services.
Special interests:
- Member engagement
- Transformational change
Olaide Kazeem
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2021
I started my career with Deloitte Nigeria where I trained as an auditor and qualified as a chartered accountant before moving to the UK after five and a half years with the firm. I am a fellow of both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
During the past fifteen years, I have worked in various senior finance, management and leadership roles within the NHS and central government departments in West Bromwich, London, Isle of Wight, Retford, and, few years ago, at the Trust in Gillingham. I currently work as COVID-19 Finance Operations Lead with a central government department and I manage my own consultancy firm as well.
My family and I moved from London to Medway in 2014 when my daughter got a place at Rochester Grammar School and I have called Medway home since then and been part of the local community. All four of my children attend(ed) local Medway grammar schools.
Why I became a governor
With a dual relationship with the trust both as a local patient and a former staff, I am passionate about seeing the trust make more and more progress in its objective(s) of meeting the needs of its patients and other stakeholders. And I am confident I bring a strong, well-suited background and a variety of useful transferable skills to help the trust achieve those objectives in sustainable ways.
What I plan to achieve
Giving good representation to my Medway constituents by ensuring the Board fulfils its responsibilities to the patients, the regulator(s) and acts in accordance with the Trust’s stated objectives in areas of: access to health and social care services, financial sustainability and improved emergency department performance.
Special interests:
- Financial sustainability
- Quality of and access to care
Tim Newman
Appointed as a public governor for the Trust in 2021
I have lived in the Medway Towns since 1965 and have recently retired after 40 + years working in health and social care. I have worked in both the public sector and for large and small private businesses.
Why I became a governor
I became a Governor as I want to use the skills and experience I gained in my working life to a help improve and deliver quality services to the residents of Medway and Swale.
What I plan to achieve
I aim to be an active Governor and to help regulators and inspectors understand the challenges Medway NHS Foundation Trust faces in meeting the needs of our local population
Special interests:
- Quality improvement, Diagnostic services and making services seamless so that people move to the right service at the right time.
Prof. Anan Shetty
MChir., FRCS Eng., FACS, FRCS Orth., FRSM
Appointed 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
Appointed 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.
David Nehra
I am a professional and highly effective manager with a wide range of experience gained in the Industry, Commercial and Public sectors.
Why I became a governor
I care passionately about the NHS and would like to help to make a difference. I would like to use my skills and experience to help with the continued improvements being made at the Trust.
What I plan to achieve
I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to be a part of a team where I can gain further insight of the workings of the Trust and help support the development of future strategy.
Special interests:
- Finance
- Welfare
- Productivity
Jay Patel
Appointed 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.
Jennifer Oliphant
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2022
I have worked in healthcare since I joined the Army as a Combat Medical Technician when I was 17 years old. I subsequently qualified as a pharmacy technician and have worked as an inspector for the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) for over eight years.
The role of the GPhC is to protect the public and give them assurance that they will receive safe and effective care when using pharmacy services. I want to be in a position to help apply this to all healthcare services. During my time at the GPhC, I have had cause to visit many healthcare and pharmacy premises which has given me a unique insight from an external perspective. This, I feel would be of particular benefit in bringing that experience to the role of a governor.
Why I became a governor
I am keen to help improve healthcare in my local area. And I have recently had experience as an inpatient and an outpatient at several local hospitals. So, this is something that is close to my heart. I want to work with, and support, the chief executive team and senior leaders and help them deliver the best healthcare possible across all sectors.
Becky Bellars
Elected as a public governor for the Trust in 2022.
Becky Bellars was elected in August as our new Rest of England and Wales Governor.
Becky has worked in health and policy for almost 20 years, and currently works in the charity sector to lobby government for change and provide support to patients. Though her experience is UK-wide, Becky grew up in Medway and recognises the needs of the area.
Staff Governors
Our Staff Governors are keen to hear what is important to you! Is there an issue you want to discuss? Do you have any ideas on how our Staff Governors can engage with staff?
Staff governors represent those who work for the Trust and play a key role in informing the Council of Governors about widely held staff views.
- Representing the views of staff and act as a link between them and the Board of Directors
- Holding the Non-Executive Directors to account by listening, observing and questioning
- Act as the link between staff and the Board
- Help the Board to make sure that the views of staff are taken into account when plans are being developed
- Highlight trends to the Board through engaging with staff
- Get involved in the day to day running of the Trust
- Act as representatives or advise on employment issues, employment relations cases or staff grievances
- Bring individual issues or concerns to the Board
Adebayo Da'Costa
Adebayo has been a staff Governor since 2021
His current portfolio includes:
- Consultant Emergency Medicine. ED Trauma Lead, ED Audit Lead, ED Research Lead.
- Paediatric Emergency Research in the United Kingdom and Ireland Lead (PERUKI Lead).
- Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Block Lead (Clinical Lead for medical students at King’s College London).
- Honorary Senior Lecturer King’s College London.
- Trauma Co-Director Medway NHS Foundation Trust.
Karen Fegan
Karen is a Matron for Maternity and was appointed as 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!
Vanessa Page
Vanessa is the Culture and Workforce Engagement Manager and was appointed as staff governor in July 2022
I have worked for the National Health Service for over 20 Years, 14 of those at Medway NHS Foundation Trust. I have enjoyed both operational patient facing roles and also a back office function role where I was a full time systems trainer. Currently I am the Culture and Workforce Engagement Manager based within the Organisational Development Team which is a HR function. At this time I am completing my Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) qualification which I have been able to do through the apprenticeship scheme at the Trust
Why I became a governor
I am passionate about making Medway Maritime Hospital a place people choose to work at and want to stay and enjoy worthwhile careers. I believe in order for our patients to receive the best of care we need our staff to feel supported and valued, my professional and staff governor roles help make a difference supporting this. I am able to be a voice for my colleagues and community to help make our local hospital the best it can be.
In my spare time I like to read books and take care of my wellbeing through meditation, walking, pilates and yoga.
Partner Governors
Please note: We currently have two Partner Governor vacancies.
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
Appointed a partner governor for Kent County Council for the trust in May 2017
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.
If you have any queries about our Trust membership or Governors, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Membership and events
Email: email met-tr.members-medway@nhs.net
Call: 01634 825292
Contact the governors
Email: medwayft.governors@nhs.net
Call: 01634 825292
Please note, the contact details above are for Governor and Membership queries only.
If you are not sure who to contact about your query, please call the main switchboard who will be able to direct you to the appropriate department.
Appointment queries – contact the Patient Service Centre
Compliments, comments, concerns and complaints - contact the PALS Team
Formal complaints - contact the Complaints Team