Thank you to retiring board members Graham, Sue and Frances
Healthwatch Chair, Val Moore, paid tribute to the three, explaining that our Directors can only be appointed for a maximum of six years. And that Directors Graham Jagger and Sue Westward-Bate have both completed the second of their three-year terms.
Sadly, Healthwatch will also be saying goodbye to Frances Dewhurst who is leaving to take up a new job.
Of Graham, she said, “It’s great to have a workforce specialist, a people specialist on our Board. You’ve been passionate about patient and public engagement all along, and a shining example of that for us, and a source of corporate guidance.”
It has been a very enjoyable and worthwhile involvement with Healthwatch. It demonstrates to me that as the organisation has developed, it has become more effective for those voices that need to be heard.
Of Sue, she talked about how good it was to have, “a public health specialist, consummate team player, and a champion for the evidence base and the environment and all things to do with inclusion” on the Board. Adding, “You light up our Board room and we will truly miss you too.”
What a privilege it has been to be a Director on the Board I’ve learnt so much from you, and from the team. Thank you for giving me such an excellent six years.
Of Frances, Val said, “How good it is to have a lawyer on the board. Both for your knowledge and your clarity of position. Thank you for championing the sensory impairment issue which affects so many people in this patch. And unfinished business – we do hope that you come back to us in the future.”
I’ve learnt so much from you all and it has been a real honour to be part of that.
As the three Directors had “put in some welly for Healthwatch over the years”, they were virtually presented with some ceramic wellington boots for their gardens, as well as a bottle of champagne each. These will be delivered by Val over the next few days.
