Background
I grew up in London and moved to Dacorum 25 years ago. I’m married and have 1 teenage son. I’m a music lover and also like to keep fit.
Business Experience
I’ve 40 years’ experience in the Information Technology & Telecommunications industry. Working for top blue-chip companies based in the UK and far east. I progressed to senior management. I have extensive marketing, communication, product management and technical experience and have engaged at all levels.
What is your experience with the local NHS
As a patient I continue to be astounded at how inefficient the NHS is compared to the commercial organisations I have worked for. As a manager, when a vital service is unavailable or impaired it concerns me. As a tax payer, I expect the NHS to innovate, change and improve, but unfortunately, I don’t see that often enough. The local hospital trust and clinical commissioning group outwardly appear to compound this by taking ill informed decisions about the future of our healthcare but a couple of years into this project and I’m also thinking the system is broken, and that the government, politicians, dept of Health and the national NHS all have to up their game. and I’m gonna do my bit to make it happen.
Volunteer Experience
I’m a Trustee for Dacorum Sport Trust – a non-profit charity with a turnover of £8m who provide sport facilities in the Dacorum area. I’m also a member of the Dacorum Sport Network – a community group who promote all kinds of sport and leisure activities in the area working with the local and county council as well as national bodies like Sport England. I have a strong desire to see sport and leisure activities used to keep people fit and well, and to get excellent healthcare when they need it in the right place. I also led a local campaign to ensure council owned leisure facilities were operated in the interests of the public they serve. Previously I have been heavily involved with Scouting including running a scout group. I’ve also founded a canoe club.
What Gets You Passionate about Herts Valleys Hospital
I see individuals in the local NHS doing their absolute best to deliver a great service. Unfortunately, their efforts are limited by the infrastructure, organisational, and systematic failings that the NHS has ignored for many years. I want to see change driven through to enable future generations to benefit from the best medical service, in outstanding facilities that the staff and patients want to come to, at a realistic cost to the taxpayer.
What is the biggest challenge to achieving Herts Valleys Hospital?
Until you need it, you don’t appreciate how bad the existing facilities are, and how long you need to wait for treatment. It’s easy to say it’s political, or times are tough, but stimulating the public to INSIST they get what they deserve is the biggest challenge. Once the public are on board, the NHS, politicians, and bureaucrats have no option but to take effective action.