The Council of Governors represents the interests of members and the communities we serve.
Our governors welcome feedback or queries from the public, our patients and our members. If you would like to contact our governors, please do so by contacting the Foundation Trust office.
A former research and innovation lead at the Trust, Dr Hardcastle champions evidence-based care and positive patient experiences. Dr Hardcastle chairs the membership committee and serves on key committees, collaborating regionally as a 'critical friend'.
Alan is especially interested in cancer services and the effects of cancer treatment on patients and close family members which can sometimes be long lasting. Alan works towards a better experience for patients and visitors as well as a more efficient well-led hospital.
Theresa is a volunteer at The QEH, having retired in 2010 after a 37-year career in teaching. She is secretary of St James Medical Practice PPG, a parish councillor in South Wootton, and was a Gateway Assessor at King’s Lynn CAB. She has volunteered at The QEH since 2017, supporting patients in the Cancer Care and Treatment Centre, and contributes regularly to the QEH Readers’ Panel.
Esmé, an experienced governor, has extensive knowledge of the hospital, its governance, and activities. Passionate about patient and staff experiences, she has lived with her family in Heacham for over 35 years.
Pru, a retired nurse with 44 years in the NHS, specialised in adult, paediatric, and neonatal care. Living in Hunstanton since 2000, she worked as an advanced neonatal nurse practitioner at The QEH. Pru has governor experience and volunteers with the RNLI and parkrun.
Bob, a recently retired commercial director specialising in procurement, risk management, and logistics, now volunteers at The QEH as a patient buggy driver. He also promotes farm-to-plate education with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association. Bob has chaired various trade boards, served as Gayton Parish Council chair, and enjoys running and hockey.
Mike has been a district councillor and chaired his local authority. Involved in primary care, he chaired the Heacham Patient Group and joined the West Norfolk Patient Group. A Norfolk Hospice volunteer driver for 12 years, Mike has lived in Heacham for 20 years and serves on the business and patient experience committees.
Andrew, a manager in NHS Talking Therapies, leads a team at Norfolk and Waveney Mind, supporting individuals with mental health and work challenges. He advocates for staff wellbeing, focusing on psychological safety and preventing burnout. With a background in operations management and mental health, he is dedicated to evolving The QEH for everyone's benefit.
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.
Barbara, a diagnostic radiographer with experience in clinical, educational, and management roles, served as imaging services manager at Luton & Dunstable University Trust for 11 years and was a staff governor. Since retiring, she worked as a bank senior radiographer until 2022. Now based in Norfolk, Barbara is committed to enhancing performance, safety, and satisfaction.
Betty, living on the Cambridgeshire-Norfolk border, values local health services. A state-registered nurse with a 40-year career, she managed a residential home and charity hotel for people with physical disabilities before retiring in 2013. Betty serves on the membership committee, patient and carer forum, and is deputy chair of the patient experience committee.
Mark, with extensive experience in process improvement and quality assurance, retired in 2021 as a Quality Assurance Manager. As Chairman of the Parson Drove Patient Participation Group, he collaborates to enhance patient care. A committed blood donor, he champions patient rights and aims to improve healthcare services and outcomes at the hospital trust.
Chris, a former vice chairman of Lincolnshire's health scrutiny committee for 12 years, is dedicated to supporting the trust as a vital health provider. Coming from a family committed to health and wellbeing, he is a member of the patient experience committee.
David, with over 30 years in the NHS, works in the finance department of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust and lives in Cambridgeshire. He has experience across Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire, and Norfolk. A member of the business committee, David values efficient, collaborative local health services.
Ruth, a Consultant Nurse in Haematology, has worked at The QEH for over 22 years in various cancer care roles. She runs outpatient clinics, cares for inpatients, and collaborates with different departments. Passionate about sustainable and inclusive healthcare, Ruth advocates for nursing staff and medical colleagues, ensuring their voices are heard.
Risa, a Paediatric Consultant at The QEH, specialises in neonatal and epilepsy care. As an educational lead, she mentors future healthcare professionals. Known for her empathy, open-mindedness, and resilience, Risa is dedicated to representing staff and patients, collaborating with stakeholders to address challenges and drive meaningful change.
Since joining QEH nearly 11 years ago, Karen has worked in Domestic Services, Phlebotomy, and the Emergency Department. She helped establish the LGBTQ+ Network and promotes diversity within the Trust. As a Governor, she aims to bridge communication gaps and ensure staff are well-informed, driven by her commitment to support and inclusivity.
Sheena brings customer service and legal expertise to the governors' council. Currently pursuing a master's in medical law and ethics while working at the Trust, she is passionate about enhancing patient experience. Sheena is excited to join the patient experience committee and learn more about improving outcomes for patients and staff.
Leanne has managed the library and knowledge services for the trust since 2021, providing staff with essential tools and support. Passionate about excellent patient care, she advocates for a transparent, supportive workplace where staff and learners thrive. Leanne is a dedicated staff governor and serves on the patient experience committee.
Alasdair, a strategic change manager, joined the NHS after 20 years in the private sector. He believes staff are the NHS's greatest strength and is committed to ensuring their voices shape services. Through the New QEH programme, he aims to deliver the right care for future generations. Alasdair chairs the Enabled Network, to support staff with disabilities, neurodiversity, or long-term health conditions.
Jane is CEO of West Norfolk Carers who support unpaid carers and families across the region. She collaborates with local councils and NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Partnership on community projects. A trustee and a lecturer, Jane serves on the patient experience and membership committees.
Sue, a trained physiotherapist, specialised in respiratory care before earning a PhD in medical sociology. Now admissions director at UEA and an associate professor at Norwich Medical School, she focuses on meeting NHS workforce needs. Sue serves on the business and nomination and remuneration committees.
Lesley has worked in King's Lynn and London, including roles in advertising and as marketing manager for King's Lynn Arts Centre and King's Lynn Festival. A school governor and charity trustee, she has fostered school-business links. Lesley has been a borough councillor for 14 years and a Norfolk county councillor since 2021, serving on the scrutiny committee.
Matthew, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, has 25 years' experience in the private sector, further education, and social housing. As Chief Finance and Technology Officer at Freebridge Community Housing, he advocates for finance and technology as enablers of efficient, customer-focused services.
Peter, a former logistics professional with the Ministry of Defence, has been a Breckland councillor since 2015. He serves on the Breckland Youth Advisory Board and holds leadership roles with local and national councils. Living in Narborough, Peter chairs the community centre and is a member of the patient experience committee.
Rachel, Head of Faculty for Public Sector Services at the College of West Anglia, has nearly 20 years in further education after training as a nurse and health visitor. Passionate about NHS workforce training, she strengthens partnerships between the college and hospital. Rachel enjoys family time, walking, and cycling.
Alexandra, a West Norfolk councillor since 2012, is legally qualified and has served on health-focused committees and task groups. She led a Carers Group and worked in parliament on welfare reform. Focused on health inequalities, home care, and respite care, Alexandra serves on the Patient Experience Committee.
Page last reviewed: 26 March 2025
Next review due: 27 January 2026