KAREN Ellison, a medico-legal consultant from Burley-in-Wharfedale, is the new lead governor at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

Karen joined the Council of Governors 18 months ago when she was elected to represent Ilkley and Wharfedale and takes over from Jerry Stanford in the role. She qualified as a doctor in 1987 and specialised in obstetrics and gynaecology until 2012 when she undertook a Masters in healthcare law and joined the Medical Protection Society as a medico-legal consultant, supporting doctors.

Karen was appointed as Lead Governor by the Governors who currently make up the Council of Governors and whose role involves representing the public, staff and partner organisations in key aspects of the Trust’s activity.

Karen said: “I became a governor because I want to give back; I still always feel a pull towards the NHS and I miss the patients and the buzz of the hospital. When I applied to be a governor and was successful, I was thrilled. Then for the last 18 months I have been sitting on the Council of Governors to see how it all works and so when the Lead Governor position came up I decided to apply. I love the fact I’m using all my medical knowledge of the structure and functions of the NHS as well as all the aspects of my current job. I feel like my experience is invaluable as a voice on the Council.”

Andrew Gold, Chair of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Council of Governors has an important role in the governance of the Trust and the role of Lead Governor is pivotal to that. The Trust and the Council welcome all Karen’s input as Lead Governor given the energy and enthusiasm along with a range of skills and experience she brings to that role.”

As governor for Ilkley Karen has already joined the local Patient Participation Group and provides them with regular updates. She also wants to increase the membership community, as patients and the public are able to join the trust as members and be kept up to date and vote for their local governor.

Karen added: “I would say to people in the community ‘get involved’; it’s your hospital and at more than one stage in your life, you are going to need Airedale. It’s a fantastic hospital and it would be really beneficial for the public to know more about it and to be able to influence its direction.”

For more information on the work of the governors contact governors@anhst.nhs.uk or telephone: 01535 294540.