MEET THE GOVERNORS: Learn about Healthwatch Northamptonshire's important role at Kettering hospital

This is the eighth in a series of pieces to give an insight into the role and work of the hospital's governors
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Healthwatch Northamptonshire has an important role to play for both staff and patients at KGH, according to one of the hospital's nominated governors.

The governors at KGH have teamed up with the Northants Telegraph to give our readers an insight into their role and the work they do.

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Sheila White, a nominated governor at KGH, has written the eighth in a series of pieces about the governors which we will be bringing to you in the coming weeks.

Here she is talking about Healthwatch Northamptonshire's role at KGH.

Sheila said: "Healthwatch Northamptonshire is the independent people’s champion for health and social care services in the county.

"We have been involved at KGH since 2013 undertaking audits on the wards, outpatients’ clinics and other areas of the hospital but most importantly talking with and listening to patients and staff to ensure our aim, that everyone’s voice is heard, is fulfilled.

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"We are also involved in the Patient Experience Steering Group and the Safeguarding Steering Group as patient representatives.

Kettering General Hospital in Rothwell Road, KetteringKettering General Hospital in Rothwell Road, Kettering
Kettering General Hospital in Rothwell Road, Kettering

"We have a statutory seat on the Council of Governors at the hospital which enables us to keep up to date with hospital matters and to have the chance to ask questions on behalf of the patients we represent.

"At present owing to the Covid-19 situation we are unable to undertake any physical visits to the hospital but have pioneered a virtual audit in the maternity department and are looking at

extending this elsewhere.

"We are also involved in the hospital group who are looking at virtual visiting to enhance the patients’ experience."

For more information click here.

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There are 25 governors on the KGH Council, including 13 public elected governors representing the four districts in which the majority of patients live: Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and East Northants and one governor representing the rest of the UK.

A key role of the council of governors is to hold the non-executive directors, both individually and collectively, to account for the performance of the board of directors and to represent the interests of NHS foundation trust members, staff and the public.

To read the last piece from the governors, click here.

The Northants Telegraph will be hearing from more of the governors in the coming weeks and if you have any questions to put to them, email them to [email protected].

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