Catherine Ardern reflects on a year as Public Governor for Warrington

It’s been a year since Catherine was elected as a public governor for Warrington in December 2024. As a lifelong resident of the town, she brings with her a deep-rooted commitment to the health and wellbeing of her community. We caught up with her to reflect on her first year in the role and to hear what continues to drive her.

Looking back, what did your first year as governor mean to you?

It’s been a real learning curve. Gaining first-hand insight into the roles and work of our hospitals within the community has been invaluable. It’s given me a deeper appreciation of how everything connects and how much dedication goes into patient care.

How has your connection to Warrington shaped your approach as a governor?

As governors, we represent the residents and I’m very aware of the strong feelings people in Warrington have about their healthcare services. That sense of local pride and expectation guides how I approach the role.

You’ve described your background as rooted in service, advocacy, and collaboration. How has that influenced your work this year?

Those values are really the cornerstone of my role. As governors, our job is to represent the community with honesty and service, listening carefully, asking questions, and always keeping the public interest at heart.

What have been some highlights or meaningful moments over the past year? 

One of the highlights has been seeing the dedication of staff across all departments and the pride they take in their work. Witnessing improvements in patient experience and the positive impact of local initiatives has been especially rewarding.

What key issues have stood out to you over the past year?

A recurring theme has been the importance of communication - making sure that patients and families feel informed, supported, and listened to. Access to services and staff wellbeing have also been key priorities that continue to shape discussions.

How have you connected with the local community in your role?

I’ve made a real effort to stay connected with the community by listening to local voices - whether that’s through attending public meetings, engaging with community groups, or simply speaking with residents about their experiences of local healthcare. These conversations help me bring genuine community perspectives into governor discussions and ensure people feel heard and represented.

How do you define compassionate leadership, and how has it shaped your year?

Compassionate leadership isn’t just about being kind, it’s about being self-aware and understanding how your own feelings and actions affect others. It’s about empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to make things better for people.

What have you learned about the role of a governor that you didn’t expect?

I’ve realised just how much teamwork and collaboration goes into the role. It’s about listening, representing fairly, and always striving to balance the needs of the Trust with the expectations of our community.