NEW governors have been elected to represent South Craven and Craven at Airedale Hospital.

Margaret Berry and Martin Carr, along with staff governor Madi Hoskin, will join the hospital's council of governors.

Margaret, representing South Craven, has had a varied career, starting on the family farm and moving through nursing, caring, owning a DIY shop and helping her husband with his bus business before practicing as a chiropodist in Cross Hills for 22 years.

A firm believer in volunteering and giving back to the community, she said: “I believe in the continuity of the NHS and want to contribute to the success of Airedale because I have been cared for by its staff when suffering from serious illness three times. The care they gave me and the continued monitoring keeps me fit and well.”

Martin, representing Craven, is a chartered accountant with his own practice and has had a varied career including sales, marketing, performing arts and hotel management.

He said patient satisfaction was paramount.

"I intend to bring all concerns that are brought to me to the highest level. I believe that I have life experiences that will make me a good governor.”

Martin has a particular interest in mental health issues and volunteers as an advocate for Bradford and Airedale Mental Health Advocacy Group.

The hospital has 19 public governors, six staff governors and six stakeholder governors, from partner organisations, such as Craven District Council.

“Our NHS governors give their time voluntarily to help achieve good governance within the trust,” said chairman of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Michael Luger.

“Their overriding role is to make the organisation publicly accountable for the services they provide. They bring valuable perspectives and make useful contributions while actively representing trust members and the public.”

For more information about volunteering at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, visit the website airedale-trust.nhs.uk or telephone 01535 294624.