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.

Stephen has a longstanding interest in healthcare. He is a retired Associate Professor, who developed and delivered modules on a BA Health Studies Programme, in Epidemiology, Medical Sociology, Multidisciplinary Public Health and Public Mental Health. He has proven evidence of effective leadership and engagement in embedding innovative sociological, public health and epidemiological perspectives which critically changed nursing practice. He has championed improvements in health, with a particular emphasis on service user experience in mental health to help others navigate their way through the intricacies of current developments in the sector. He also works within local communities training residents to become health champions and evaluating the impact of policy on practice. Stephen is also Vice Chair of HealthWatch Derby, and Chair of School Governors. He is looking forward to making a positive contribution on the Trust’s Council of Governors.