Derby City West

Ruth is passionate about helping the Trust deliver care that truly puts people first. Healthcare has been a significant part of her life for a number of years , due to caring for her daughter who has cystic fibrosis and she understands the importance of services that support both the individual and their family. She has also recently cared for father at home during his final months under palliative care. Her personal experiences have inspired her to be a voice for patients and families, ensuring services are inclusive, understanding, and focused on what really matters to people. Alongside her personal journey, Ruth has spent years working and volunteering in roles that support patients and improve healthcare: • Advocate for Patients: Ruth reviews medical research proposals for Research Support Services East Midlands to ensure they’re ethical, inclusive, and meaningful. • Improving Care Quality: As an Expert by Experience with the Care Quality Commission, Ruth has visited GP practices and hospitals to gather feedback from patients and families to enhance services. • Community Support: Ruth has fundraised for children with cystic fibrosis and supported families through voluntary work. Ruth has also worked closely with healthcare organisations across the region, advocating for better access and services that meet the needs of patients and families. Ruth feels that by becoming a governor she will be able to bring together her personal experiences, professional background, and her passion for making a difference in people’s lives.

Christine has been a governor and volunteer at the Trust for twelve years. She is aware of how difficult it has been for many people after the COVID-19 pandemic. She is aware how crucial it is to get back to normality and that members and patients will be looking for answers on how the system is moving forward. Governors play a very important role in the Trust, ensuring that there is a strong connection with the community served by the Trust and with the staff who work for it. Christine is committed to the values and behaviours of the Trust and supports its goals and objectives. in her governor role she is keen to influence and improve the care and treatment of mental health service users and to represent her constituents in Derby City West. Over the last 12 years, Christine has taken on additional roles sitting on the Panel of Living With and Beyond Cancer, the EQUAL group relating to patient experience and being a voice for the patients and members.