What is your name?
Teresita Martin-Browning (known as Tess)
Are you a public, staff or Partner Governor?
I am a Public Governor for the Nottinghamshire County constituency
How long have you been a Governor at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust?
I started this role in March 2018
What do you do in your role of Governor?
My role as a Public County Governor is to promote the best interests of Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, its members and service users.
I hold the Non-Executive Directors and Chair to account for the performance of Board ‘Representing the views and interests of members and the public.
As a Governor I am keen to ensure the Trust fulfills its strategy and plans.
Why did you choose to put yourself up for election?
I put myself forward for election because I’m passionate about our NHS putting the patients first and very proud to be part of it.
I retired 9 years ago, but I want to continue to be part of the NHS to represent and support the local public. As a retired Mental Health Clinician with over forty years’ experience, I have the knowledge and insight that I can share with the other Governors that will help us to make decisions collectively for the welfare of the Trust and the local people.
Describe what you do in 100 words or less.
Since I was elected, I have attended, among other things:
- A meeting detailing the performance of Mental Health Services for Older People.
- A meeting detailing the performance of Wathwood Hospital.
- Observed a Non-Executive Director on a site visit at Westminster House; attended an allocation meeting of the Community Forensic Service.
- A meeting of the Council of Governors dealing with Financial Planning and Performance report presented by Chief Executive, among other items.
- I visited the wards at Arnold Lodge low secure unit, speaking with nursing staff who expressed their challenges and successes that make a difference to the lives of their service users.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy having discussions with staff and service users, listing to their input, and being involved in decision making. I enjoy learning of positive results in the work of the Trust and being aware on how the decision making at board level results in beneficial effects for service users and staff alike.
What three words would you use to describe the NHS?
Unique, Value-driven and Collaborative.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about becoming a Governor at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust?
If you’re really passionate about our NHS, go for it and get involved.
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