Foundation Trust and Council of Governors



As an NHS foundation trust, we have a Council of Governors made up of elected public and staff governors and partner governors who represent local organisations that we work closely with.

The Council of Governors helps to hold the Trust to account to local people. They are the link between the hospital and our local communities within Warrington, Halton and other local areas – ensuring that local people can input into decisions and plans. 

Governors are involved in shaping and endorsing our strategy, monitoring performance and engaging with the public.

The Council of Governors meets formally four times a year in public and anyone can attend to listen to the meeting. The meeting is chaired by the Trust chair. At the meeting, the governors receive the latest performance information and have the chance to analyse it and raise questions. The formal public Council of Governors meeting programme is a small part of our governors’ work in the Trust.

Our Council of Governors is made up of the following representatives:

  • 17 public governors - elected by the public members and representing the local community

  • 5 staff governors - elected by our hospital staff members

  • 5 partner governors - nominated by organisations we work closely with in Warrington and Halton

 

Governor elections 2025: results

Following the results of the 2025 governor elections, the term of office for the successful candidates is from 1 December 2025.

Congratulations to all the successful candidates and thank you to everyone who participated in the voting process. Thank you and farewell to those governors who have come to the end of their final term of office or were not re-elected. 

Please read the Report of Voting and the Uncontested Report, for a full breakdown of the results.


Public governors:

Warrington and Halton
Diane Nield
Helen Bennett
Matt Machin
Stephen Bryan Walton

Public: Rest of England
Dorcas Akeju

Staff governors:

Estates, Administration, Managerial
Suresh Krisshna Arni Sukumaran

Nursing and Midwifery
Michelle (Mary Teodora) Kho

The Medical and Dental seat will remain vacant as no nominations were received.

If you would like further information, please email whh.foundation@nhs.net

Role of a governor

In addition to being on the council, governors also observe the committees of the Trust Board which allows them to bring information and views to the main council meeting. These committees focus on a number of areas including quality in care, finance, people; and communications and membership. 

Governors also help us to formulate our annual strategic plan. They hold workshops and survey their members to ensure the plan is in line with public expectations.

They also carry out unannounced ward inspections across the Trust where they monitor standards of care and talk to patients and staff.

They also engage with their local communities and attend other events and meetings to ensure they can put forward views that are representative of their local communities

For more information on the role of a governor, please watch this short video from some of our current governors.

Guide to being a Governor 

Being a governor [PDF 5.4MB] our handbook to support our foundation trust governors with information about the Trust and their role and duties.

Get in touch with a governor

If you want to find out more about becoming a governor or wish to contact your governor representative, please email whh.foundation@nhs.net with your query or with a request for them to contact you and tell us the area that you live in.

You can also call us on 01925 662139.

Our governors are happy to come and present, meet or liaise with any community organisation. Please contact us to arrange a meeting.

Our governors also regularly attend events where they are happy to speak with people about their views.

Visit our foundation trust membership page for information on becoming a public member of our Trust.

Public governors (elected)

Our 17 public governors are elected by our public members split into the following constituencies:

  • Warrington and Halton - 15 seats
  • Rest of England - 2 seats
Sue Fitzpatrick, Lead Governor, Warrington and Halton
Sue Fitzpatrick, Warrington South

Originally from Wales, I have lived in Appleton, Warrington for more than 20 years.

I have a long association with the hospital, having given birth to my son there 28 years ago!

I am semi-retired, having spent many years auditing hospitals and primary care facilities throughout Europe.

As a former director of The Institute of Clinical Research I understand the importance of governance and standards in clinical practice and teach good clinical practice in the NHS, universities and pharmaceutical companies.

I genuinely want to use my skills and enthusiasm to listen to patients’ feedback and effect change to aid the patients’ experience and enable best practice in our hospital.

In my spare time I sit on a Health Research Ethics Committee.
In addition, I have authored articles and books on clinical research and co-authored The Oxford Handbook on Clinical and Healthcare Research.

Outside of work I’m a member of a church and village choir.

Diane Nield, Deputy Lead Governor, Warrington and Halton
Diane Neild, Warrington South

As a Warrington resident for over 30 years, I care passionately about supporting my community to receive high quality care.

The NHS and hospitals have always played a big part in my life from attending hospital for many years as a child to then working in partnership with clinicians in my career in the pharmaceutical industry.

I have always marvelled at the amazing skills, treatments, services and above all people that work within them. In order to keep in touch with demand, expectation and change it is crucial for local health services to listen to their community and respond accordingly which is why I have decided to apply for the role of hospital governor.

During my career I became very familiar with NHS hospital structure, patient flows and funding flows and often read board meeting notes to understand the challenges that these services face. In addition to this, I have gained various skills and qualifications in leadership, coaching and management. These transferable skills will enable me to take on the governor role and be accountable to my community.

Currently I am semi-retired and run my own business. I am an executive coach and practitioner in resilience, wellbeing and psychological safety I have a warm personable style and enjoy being part of a team. I pride myself in being a good listener, someone people can trust and build confidence in. I now have the capacity and would be delighted to take on the role of hospital governor and give something back.

Catherine Ardern, Warrington and Halton
Catherine Ardern, public governor Warrington and Halton

Information:

As a lifelong resident of Warrington, I am passionate about contributing to the health and wellbeing of the community that has shaped me. 

My journey through both professional and personal roles has always been rooted in service, advocacy, and collaboration. 

I’ve been fortunate to witness first-hand the impact that strong, compassionate leadership can have and this drives my-commitment as a newly elected governor.

Serving as a governor allows me to channel my skills and experiences into ensuring that our healthcare services remain responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.

I am dedicated to ensuring that the voices of Warrington residents are heard, and that we work together to overcome challenges while maintaining the high standards of care our community deserves.

Read more about why Catherine became a governor.

Margaret Bamforth, Warrington and Halton
Margaret Bamforth, public governor Warrington and Halton

Information:

With extensive experience in the NHS as a former clinician, medical educator, and non-executive director (NED), I have been a resident and professional in the local area for 40 years. My three sons attended local schools, further connecting me to the community.

My specific focus on children’s services stems from my 22 years as a consultant child psychiatrist in Halton, during which I developed a passion for education and training, taking on various roles in medical education. After retiring from clinical practice, I served as Associate Dean for Mersey Deanery and later for Health Education England North West until 2016, concentrating on leadership, mentoring, coaching, and quality improvement. Additionally, I contributed to the MA in Clinical Education course at Edge Hill University.

I spent six years as a NED at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals, where I valued collaboration with the Board and Trust staff. As the NED maternity champion, I found it rewarding to witness the advancements in maternity services in the region.

In my capacity as NED, I chaired the Quality Committee, emphasising the significance of clinical governance in delivering high-quality care and safe services. I engaged in observation visits with executive team members and governors, appreciating the insights gained from patient and staff feedback, which I intend to continue as a governor.

My clinical experience involved working with children and families in community settings, where I recognised the necessity of strong connections with primary care and other community services. I am eager to contribute as a governor as the Trust enhances its engagement with community services.

Find out more about why Margaret became a governor.

Helen Bennett, Warrington and Halton

Biography to follow.

Alan Davies, Warrington and Halton
Alan Davies, public governor Warrington and Halton

Information:

Before my retirement, I was an executive headteacher and a national leader of education, supporting schools all over the country.  I held two substantive executive headships; both schools held outstanding school status, and both were appointed national teaching school status under my leadership.  My final role before retirement was executive headteacher of Great Sankey High School, Warrington. I was a late entrant to teaching and, before entering the profession, I worked as a sales and marketing director for a large engineering company. 

I am a trustee of Southlands College London, and prior to this, I held the post of chair of trustees for all the Methodist schools in England. I have been a magistrate for over 21 years and, until May 2024, was chair of the Magistrates for Cheshire. In addition, I am a deputy lieutenant of Cheshire.  

I am delighted to have been elected as a governor of the trust. I will support and encourage the executive team with their ambitions and vision for the Trust but, where necessary, will challenge to ensure all users are given the best quality care and provision. 

I am married and have two grown-up sons who are also married. I am a very proud grandfather to two wonderful grandsons.  

Read more about why Alan became a governor. 

Colin Jenkins, Warrington and Halton
Colin Jenkins, Warrington North

I’m married with three children, five grandchildren and one foster grandchild and I was born and have lived most of my life in Warrington, witnessing it grow into the town it is today.

I worked for Warrington Borough Council for nearly 10 years and at British Aluminium in Bank Quay for over 12 years. I have also lived in Ashton-Under-Lyne for approximately 10 years, where I was a trade union convenor in the textile industry and was elected as a local councillor in one of the 10 most deprived wards in the country. I also ran two pubs with my wife for a number of years.

One of my driving forces is representing people who cannot represent themselves for whatever reason. My work as a convenor and councillor also taught me to listen and try to look further than the obvious and try to foresee potential problems and solutions.

In my fifties I studied at Warrington Collegiate/Chester University to be able to train, assess and verify core skills in the warehousing and logistics industries. All of my life and work experiences have demonstrated to me that there are a great number of ways we can provide help and assistance to another; to ensure nobody gets left behind.

Having been an NHS patient in hospitals in Warrington, Halton, Tameside, St Helens and at the Walton Centre, my family and I have benefited from their excellent care, saving my life in one instance. The road I have travelled led me to volunteer as a way to pay back in some small way for all that I have received.

I am a huge fan of the concept of medical treatment which is free at source and of our NHS as the world leader of that provision.  So many people rely on the NHS in Warrington and as a governor I am in a position to ensure that the non-executive directors ask the challenging questions to ensure we receive answers for people in the boroughs we are fortunate to represent.

Paula Jones, Warrington and Halton
Paula Jones, Warrington and Halton

Information:

I’m proud to have been elected as public governor for WHH representing the community where I’ve lived for 20 years.

Just after we moved to our house in 2018, my husband had a heart attack and his subsequent treatment both in Warrington Hospital and Broadgreen Hospital was fantastic and inspirational. My gratitude was overwhelming, so much so that I vowed to ‘give something back’. In early 2019 I started my journey to become a volunteer for WHH and continue that today. I love walking the corridors as a wayfinder, helping visitors find their way around the hospital. Every time I get someone where they need to be with kindness, care and compassion it clearly makes a huge difference to their day. I get something back each time I give my time to the Trust and the NHS.

I’ve enjoyed a successful business career within the private sector primarily in sales, marketing and journalism in the UK and Dubai, but latterly in construction project management delivering wind farms across northern Europe. All these roles involved using positive interpersonal skills as well as scrupulous attention to detail and ensuring the highest standards for the customer and end-user. Business improvement has been a fundamental tenet of my working life, as there is always a way to review and improve the way things are done and deliver better! Perhaps it’s my inquisitive nature and yearning to learn but I’m keen to understand why things work and how we can do things better, for the benefit of all.

I’m also a spiritual life coach, enabling and helping people become the best version of themselves through enlightenment, self-searching and self-development and I’m always learning and developing as that’s part of life’s journey.

I am now delighted to represent our community as a public governor, ensuring our NHS is appreciated and remains ‘fantastic for us all’ and doing this work, be the WHH Trust’s critical, yet supportive, friend.

 

Carol Ann Kelly, Warrington and Halton
Carol Ann Kelly, Warrington South

Underpinned by a long clinical and academic nursing career I am passionate about the promotion and provision of high standards of healthcare. A resident in the locality for over 20 years I care about equity and fairness in accessing healthcare, I regard inclusivity as important, I embrace diversity and care about people and the needs of others.

My clinical background brings an understanding of the context of local and national health and social care needs, together with an awareness of existing and growing health inequalities. As a researcher I recognise the importance of an evidence base and I have experience of working with patients as equal partners, offering essential insight into the effective use of patient and carer perspectives.

My career has been defined by integrity, enthusiasm, and commitment to the safe and effective provision of health and social care. As a governor I intend to use my skills, experience, and attributes to represent the interests of the local community and contribute to driving any necessary health and care improvements.

Matt Machin, Warrington and Halton

Biography to follow.

Linda Mills, Warrington and Halton
Linda Mills, Halton

I have devoted my career to health, having practised and have worked within the NHS, industry, county councils and retail, advising companies on health and safety legislation and carrying out statutory and non-statutory medicals, health surveillance and case management. I started up my own occupational health consultancy in 1996 and still work on a consultancy basis.

I have knowledge of the demands of a large organisation, understanding of the need for financial control and the importance of excellent patient/employee care.

I have good working relationships with the members of the Board and the Senior Management Team.

As a practising Christian, I have attended All Saints’ Church, Daresbury, for 20 years and am a Lay Reader, conducting services and providing pastoral care.

I have lived in the area covered by the Trust for 33 years, so am keen to ensure residents have access to high-quality and timely health services.

Nigel Richardson, Warrington and Halton
Nigel Richardson, Warrington South

I’m proud to have been elected as public Governor for WHH Trust representing our community where I’ve lived with my family for 27 years. 

My wife, who is an NHS key worker, and I have two adult daughters who have both lived with type 1 diabetes from a young age, supported throughout by our fantastic local NHS. 

I’ve enjoyed a successful career with over 20 years' board level experience in both public and private sector complex organisations, including driving service improvements for vulnerable citizens, in partnership with local communities.

I led a UK team to successfully reduce UK pensioner poverty, increasing take up of benefits and services. 

Also, supporting Cheshire, Warrington, and Greater Manchester authorities with their local public service transformation initiatives including health and wellbeing partnerships. 

I am now delighted to represent our community, ensuring our NHS is ‘fantastic for us all’. 

Jack Roper, Warrington and Halton
Jack Roper, public governor Warrington and Halton

Information:

Warrington Hospital holds a special place in my heart. Both of my daughters were born here, and it’s been a part of my family’s life during some of our most meaningful moments.

With over 10 years of experience improving services in complex organisations, I’ve learned how to listen, solve problems, and focus on what really matters to people. As a dad and a governor, I want to ensure every patient and family feels supported and valued, just as I did.

I’m passionate about bringing a strategic focus to the care and patient experience our hospitals provides. By listening to the voices of patients, carers, and staff, I aim to support the Trust in continuing to deliver exceptional care while adapting to the community’s needs.

It’s a privilege to contribute to the future of our hospitals, helping it grow and thrive for generations to come.

Stephen Walton, Warrington and Halton

Biography to follow.

Dorcas Akeju, Rest of England

Biography to follow.

Kevin Keith, Rest of England
Kevin Keith, Rest of England

Biography to follow.

 

 

 

 

There is currently one vacant public governor position in Warrington and one in Rest of England.

Staff governors (elected)

We have 5 staff governors, elected by hospital staff and representing the five main staff groups at the hospitals.

Rachel Bold, Clinical Scientists and Allied Health Professionals
Rachel Bold, Clinical Scientists and Allied Health Professionals

Biography to follow.

 

 

 

 

Michelle Kho, Nursing and Midwifery
Michelle Kho, staff governor for Nursing and Midwifery

I have been a nurse since 1990 and have spent the last 25 years of my career at Warrington Hospital, dedicating my working life to compassionate care, teamwork and supporting both patients and colleagues. Working across many different clinical settings has shaped my values and the nurse I am today.

I believe that small acts of kindness, clear communication and a supportive working environment can make a genuine difference to both staff morale and patient outcomes.

For the past seven years, I have been a diabetes specialist nurse, helping patients and families understand and manage their condition. I have delivered education sessions, supported those newly diagnosed and worked closely with GPs and dietitians to develop more joined-up care. Watching patients grow in confidence and take control of their health has been incredibly rewarding.

Alongside this, I have supported our international nurses as a clinical education nurse, guiding them through their clinical skills exams and helping them settle into life in Warrington. Their journeys have reminded me of the importance of kindness, mentorship and inclusion—values I strive to promote every day.

I have also completed the professional nurse advocate course at Keele University, which strengthened my skills in listening, reflective practice and supporting staff wellbeing. I am passionate about creating a workplace where colleagues feel valued, supported and motivated.

Outside of work, I serve as an officer for a local ethnic community group, which has enabled me to build stronger connections within our diverse local community.

I am also an active participant in the yearly WHH community events and want to use my experience, community insight and commitment to staff wellbeing to contribute at a strategic level. Championing the voices of staff and patients will strengthen collaboration and help shape a culture we can all be proud of.

Suresh Arni Sukumaran, Estates, Admin and Managerial
Suresh Arni Sukumaran, Estates, Admin and Managerial

My NHS career spans nearly twenty years, progressing from trainee to head of medical engineering. WHH is not only my workplace but also my local hospital, and with both of my sons born here, I have a strong personal connection and a deep commitment to its continued success. I believe that everyone should have an equal opportunity to develop their talents. This principle guides my leadership and underpins my commitment to creating fair, supportive and empowering environments for colleagues at every level.

My experience as a school governor has strengthened my governance skills and reinforced the value of transparency, collaboration and inclusive leadership. I have been a committed advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion, and freedom to speak up. During the pandemic, I led the Trust’s multi-ethnic staff network, ensuring colleagues were heard and supported, and I supported the Covid-19 vaccination programme for staff and the wider community. I also played a key role in introducing reciprocal mentoring at WHH to support leadership development and elevate underrepresented voices.

My professional experience, lived perspective and long-standing connection to WHH continue to drive my passion for fairness, inclusion and engagement. I remain committed to supporting a positive, safe and inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

Erwin Tuballes, Support Worker
Erwin Tuballes, Support Worker
Information:

Profile to follow.

Medical and Dental - VACANT

This post is currently vacant.

Partner governors

Working alongside our elected public and staff governors are five stakeholder governors. These governors are nominated by organisations or sectors that we work closely in partnership with. They include our local borough councils,  commercial and voluntary sectors.

  • Warrington Borough Council, Councillor Maureen McLaughlin
  • Halton Borough Council, Colin Hughes
  • Warrington and Vale Royal College, Nichola Newton
  • Warrington Sikh Gurdwara, Mr Mansimran Singh
Maureen McLaughlin, Partner Governor
Information:

Biography to follow.

Colin Hughes, Partner Governor
Information:

Biography to follow.

Nichola Newton, Partner Governor
Nichola Newton, Partner Governor

Currently principal and CEO of Warrington and Vale Royal College, Nichola is a skilled and determined leader in Further Education, with expansive, sectoral knowledge and professional experience spanning 30 years. Values-driven and customer-focused with a demonstrable track record of achievement, Nichola is a passionate advocate of further education as transformative with a strong belief in education and skills as a key driver of economic recovery and growth. 

Nichola sees the college as an anchor institution within the communities it serves, with core responsibilities to provide progressive education and skills training and life-long learning that is inclusive and adding in social value. Nichola strives to make the college a happy, vibrant, sustainable place to work and study, placing a great deal of emphasis on the health and wellbeing of the people within the college community such that they thrive.

Nichola holds a BA (Hons), a PGCE, a Masters in Research and the CIM Diploma in Marketing.

Hailing from Poynton, Cheshire, Nichola now lives in Manchester and identifies as a ‘proud northener’. Nichola is a mother of identical twin girls, both of whom have recently completed their studies at university and are contemplating next steps. Nichola is a lover of the great outdoors and she champions the protection of the environment, animals and wild, natural spaces. A keen walker, open water swimmer and a pilates teacher, Nichola is also an advocate of healthy ageing.

Mansimran Singh, Partner Governor - Warrington Sikh Gurdwara
Mansimran Singh, Partner Governor - Warrington Sikh Gurdwara

My name is Mansimran Singh (Mani). I am an engineering professional living and working in Warrington for the last 12 years. I live with my wife (IT professional) and our 10 year old son who was born in the then newly refurbished Maternity Ward in 2013.

Our NHS Trust is at the heart of our community, providing essential services and care to those in need. As a partner governor, I am filled with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to our shared mission of delivering the highest quality healthcare to the communities we serve.

My primary focus will be to ensure that our Trust continues to uphold the highest standards of patient care, safety, and wellbeing. I am committed to working collaboratively with our dedicated staff, stakeholders, and the public to ensure that our services are responsive, efficient, and aligned with the needs and expectations of our patients.

I will be actively engaging with both our internal teams and the broader community to listen, learn, and advocate for improvements where needed. I believe that transparency, communication, and collaboration are key to our success.