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 serves on key committees, collaborating regionally and at group level as a 'critical friend'.
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.
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.
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. Sara serves on the nomination and remuneration 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, Chris is a regular contributor to Quality Assurance Visits.
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.
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 keen to represent her colleagues.
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.
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 and is focused on health inequalities, home care, and respite care.