The QEH sign from outside the hospital.
Media Release

QEH welcomes new and re-elected representatives to its Council of Governors

Communications Teamby
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is pleased to announce the election of eight new and four re-elected governors to its Council of Governors, with all taking up their roles this month.

The Council plays a crucial role in ensuring that QEH’s services reflect the needs and views of the local community, particularly as plans progress for a state-of-the-art New QEH.

Governors come from a wide range of backgrounds and communities and share an interest in healthcare, helping the hospital to develop and thrive for the benefit of the people who use our services.

The QEH Council of Governors

In the recent elections, 6,500-plus QEH Trust members from across Norfolk, South Lincolnshire and North Cambridgeshire – which includes the members of the public, patients and our dedicated staff – were invited to stand for election or vote in their respective constituencies.

A total of 12 seats were up for election. The newly elected and re-elected governors who make up our 28-strong council now include:

Public Governor – Breckland, North Norfolk & Rest of England Constituency

  • Dr Antonia Hardcastle (Re-elected – Lead Governor) – A former research and innovation lead at The QEH, Dr Hardcastle champions evidence-based care and positive patient experiences. She serves on key committees, collaborating regionally as a ‘critical friend’.

Public Governors – West Norfolk Constituency

  • Theresa Banks – A retired teacher and volunteer at QEH, Theresa has been actively involved in supporting patients in the Cancer Care and Treatment Centre and contributes to the QEH Readers’ Panel. She also serves as a parish councillor and secretary for St James Medical Practice PPG.
  • Andrew Riley – Manager in NHS Talking Therapies, Andrew leads a team at Norfolk and Waveney Mind, supporting individuals with mental health and work challenges. He advocates for staff wellbeing and psychological safety, aiming to evolve QEH for the benefit of all.
  • Bob King – A recently retired commercial director specialising in procurement and risk management, Bob volunteers at The QEH as a patient buggy driver. He has also promoted farm-to-plate education with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.
  • Sara Shaw (Re-elected) – Sara retired from the NHS after a 39-year career as a critical care and inflight nurse, later transitioning to hospital management. She has been a professional advisor to the Health Service Ombudsman. Based in Stanhoe, Sara volunteers for the Cinnamon Trust and the Scottish Terrier Emergency Care Scheme.

Public Governor – Cambridgeshire/Fenland Constituency

  • Mark Dyer – A former Quality Assurance Manager with a strong background in process improvement, Mark retired in 2021 and now chairs the Parson Drove Patient Participation Group. He is committed to improving patient care and rights.

Public Governor – South East Lincolnshire Constituency

  • Chris Brewis (Re-elected) – Chris brings over 12 years of experience as vice chairman of Lincolnshire’s health scrutiny committee. He is a member of QEH’s patient experience committee and has long been involved in supporting local health services.

Staff Clinical Governors

  • Ruth Overton – A Consultant Nurse in Haematology at QEH for over 22 years, Ruth has worked in various cancer care roles and is passionate about sustainable healthcare. She advocates for nursing staff and medical colleagues, ensuring their voices are heard.
  • Dr Risa Birbal – A Paediatric Consultant at QEH, Dr Birbal specialises in neonatal and epilepsy care. She is also an educational lead, mentoring future healthcare professionals. Dr Birbal is dedicated to improving services for both staff and patients.
  • Karen Wilson – Having worked at QEH for nearly 11 years in roles across Domestic Services, Phlebotomy, and the Emergency Department, Karen is a champion for diversity and inclusion within the Trust and helped establish the LGBTQ+ Network.

Staff Non-Clinical Governors

  • Leanne Kendrick (Re-elected) – Leanne has managed library and knowledge services at QEH since 2021, supporting staff with essential resources. She advocates for a transparent and supportive workplace, ensuring staff and learners thrive in their roles.
  • Alasdair Willett – A strategic change manager at QEH, Alasdair joined the NHS after 20 years in the private sector. He chairs the Enabled Network, supporting staff with disabilities, neurodiversity, or long-term health conditions. Through the New QEH programme, he aims to ensure future healthcare services meet the needs of local communities.

For more information about the role of governors at QEH and how to contact them, please visit: www.qeh.org.uk/governors

Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.

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