Our governors

You can stand for election to our new Council of Governors if:

• You are a member of the NHS Foundation Trust, (if you are not a member but wish to join our Trust please fill in our online form) link to form
• You are 16 years or over,
• You are a member of the constituency you wish to represent
• You can be appointed to the Council of Governors if you are asked by your organisation to do so, following a formal approach from the Trust.

Governors represent the views of and provide a link to our public, staff and partner organisations.

Governors of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust will have the opportunity to:

• Ensure we are accountable to our members and the communities that we serve
• Represent the interests of our partner organisations
• Communicate effectively with our members and help us to develop networks for engaging with the wider community
• Help us plan for the future by canvassing the views and opinions of members and local communities
• Influence change, development and improvements to the way we deliver care to our patients and service users

Collectively, governors have an advisory, guardianship and strategic role within the governance of the Trust, which is crucial to our success.

Our Council of Governors consists of 26 governors covering the following constituencies:

Chair (also Chair of the Board of Directors)

15 Public Governors

• Durham - Christine Bullmore
• Gateshead - VACANCY
• South Tyneside - Gerry Fionda, James Jordan, Paul Dearnaley, Dileep Deshpande, Allyson Stewart  (Lead Governor), VACANCY
• Sunderland - Simon Ayre, Tara Burrell, Anita Hagan, Dave McNicholas, Ian Thurlbeck, Pauline Palmer
• Rest of North East of England - VACANCY

6 Staff Governors

• Clinical Acute Staff - Mayflor Bernal, Lindsey Downey
• Clinical Community Staff - Mark Tull
• Medical and Dental - Shahid Junejo
• Non Clinical Staff - Chris Anderson, Kimberley Wilson

Appointed Governors

• Local Authority, South Tyneside - Councillor Paul Peal
• Local Authority, Sunderland - Councillor Dianne Snowdon
• Higher Education Medical Schools - Scott Wilkes

Dilieep Deshpande

Dileep's employment with the NHS started in January 1980 in Hospital & Community Paediatrics.  He was a representative of Community Paediatrics on the District Medical Committee and later on regular meetings with the Trust for few years.  He is an active Member of the British Medical Association and has a keen interest in local Health Care provided by Hospitals and GPs.

Dileep is a resident of South Tyneside and hopes to raise issues relating to healthcare try to improve the quality of care.

Allyson Stewart (lead governor)

Allyson has spent the majority of her career in the Voluntary Sector providing her with vast experience as a Director and also as a carer.  She has previously taken an active role in the local hospital as a former Governor and Lead Governor.  Allyson has a particular interest in departments which carry out a great deal of valuable work behind the scenes, such as security, waste management and the mortuary. 

James Jameson Jordan

James is a passionate supporter of the NHS and has lived in South Shields all of his life. He is now retired after serving in the army for 10 years and in the police service for 30 years. He has experience of the fantastic work of the staff in the NHS.

Gerry Fionda

Gerry is a resident of South Shields who is retired and applied to be a governor to help the NHS by giving something back. He is a member of South Tyneside CCG Patient Group, part of his GP’s Patient Group and Chair of his Residents’ Association. He believes the world we live in works better when it works for all and will work to ensure that excellent patient care continues to be the primary objective.

Marion Langley

Marion is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  Her family have lived all their lives in South Shields and like most of our community, have needed the NHS on many occasions.

She worked for South Tyneside and Sunderland Trust for 36 years until I retired in 2022, and was a staff governor at South Tyneside for 9 years before it merged in 2019.

Marion is passionate about our hospital and has been a lead member of Save South Tyneside Hospital Campaign.  As UNISON branch secretary, she supported many staff through difficult situations and she would like the opportunity to do the same for her community.

She believes that as a governor, when looking to the future of our hospital and community services, she will have an opportunity on behalf of the public of South Tyneside to help develop and support the Trust to make the best decisions for those who need the NHS and the vital services it provides.  This would make sure that the Trust is transparent and accountable for the decisions it makes.  She states, like many others, remains concerned about the pressure on the services in the NHS and how it will affect the delivery for those who live in South Tyneside now and in the future.
 

KAREN WHITE

Karen has lived in South Tyneside for the past 36 years, and retired from a successful career in the NHS as a senior manager some years ago and has kept up to date with the ever-changing NHS.

Her NHS career started in 1990, where she was initially a manager in general practice and her practice won several quality awards.  In 1998 she moved to South Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT) initially in Clinical Governance working closely with clinicians to improve quality.  Then to Modernisation Lead for Primary Care with the responsibility of addressing health inequalities and improving access to primary care. 

Karen has previously been a public governor of STSFT and from 2019 to 2022, where she attended and contributed to meetings and training events, and was part of the charitable funds sub-group.

In 2023-24 she worked at South Tyneside Hospital as a volunteer within the Patient Experience Team and thoroughly enjoyed talking directly to patients about their experiences as inpatients. 
 

Simon Ayre

Simon is a retired NHS Registered Nurse.  During his career he helped to care for the people of Sunderland, South Tyneside and beyond.  He is now an elected Councillor for St Chad’s Ward and the City of Sunderland.  

As a governor he will work to ensure that the people of Sunderland are at the very heart his governor duties, and he will be visible, engaging, proactive, committed, and passionate to the role.

Tara Burrell

Tara is a leader of a local Primary Care organisation with over 40 years' experience working across health, social care and emergency services.  She has developed a holistic view of the pressures and challenges faced by public services, the reliance they have on one another and the power of collaboration and partnerships.

As a patient, carer and healthcare leader, she has substantial and varied experience of receiving care from, as well as working alongside, frontline STSFT teams.  

She was raised in South Tyneside, she has lived in the Sunderland area for 30 years, actively pursuing her passion for improving the care of our local population through her work.  
 

Anita Hagon

Anita has been a Public Governor since 2019 actively volunteering to be the governor ‘voice’ in a number of Trust groups helping support standards, ensuring good health and wellbeing of the patients and our dedicated NHS staff.

She relishes the opportunity to review, challenge and assure excellent standards of care, financial systems and governance issues as a Governor.

Anita has actively volunteered during the pandemic for the NHS, local council and St Johns ambulance service supporting our most vulnerable individuals in our local community.

Dave McNicholas

Dave retired from the NHS in 2020 where he worked on Coronary Care, Medical, Surgical and ENT/Facio-maxillary wards before specialising in Critical Care.

He would to like to use his knowledge and experience as a Nurse, Trade Union Representative and Manager, in helping to ensure that the health provision for the population of Sunderland and South Tyneside is delivered to the highest possible standard.
 

Ian Thurlbeck

Ian is passionate about the NHS and the important role it plays in many people’s lives. The role of governor gives him the opportunity to give something back to this key service in our local area.

He is an NHS service user born and bred in Sunderland, and with strong family connections working within the NHS over several decades. 

Ian has recently retired, and now feels he has the time, knowledge, experience and desire to make a difference to the services local people receive; services which are perhaps even more important now in view of the ongoing challenges many people face achieving good physical and mental health.

Jess Moore

Jess has worked within the NHS for 13 years.  She has had many personal connections within the NHS and would to make postive changes to the health foundation. 

She has previously spoken out for young adults with learning disabilities and difficulties, and feels that they have a voice to be heard within the NHS.

Jess comments that the NHS means a lot to her after spending a time in hospital when her husband was very sick, and from stays in hospital herself. 

VACANCY

To be filled in the elections beginning April 2025

Christine Bullmore

Christine retired from the Trust in December 2023 after 47 years.  Her background is in science, technology and planning and she as a Biomedical Scientist for over 30 years before being appointed as the Trust Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response (EPRR) and Business Continuity Manager.

She believes that everyone deserves easy access to flexible and responsive health and social care and would like to help with this in her governor role. 

In her retirement she enjoys the outdoors, teaching swimming, volunteering for the RSPB and gardening with her dog.

Upma Misra

Upma belives that the role of Governor aligns with her deep commitment to improving healthcare delivery and supporting the community.

She was previously employed by the Trust as a doctor and brings firsthand knowledge of its operations, challenges, and the dedication of staff.  During her medical career, she developed a range of skills that are directly applicable to the governor role, including strategic decision-making, effective communication, and an ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.  Upma's clinical background enables me her to understand patient needs and advocate for quality care, while her leadership experience equips her to contribute meaningfully to governance discussions.

Upma's aim as a governor would bt to ensure that the hospital remained patient-focused, financially sustainable, and innovative in its approach to healthcare. She is particularly passionate about enhancing patient access, promoting staff well-being, and fostering community engagement. 

She will represent the interests of patients and staff alike while upholding the hospital's values.  This position offers her an opportunity to give back to the institution that shaped her career and made a lasting impact on her life.

SUE BEATTIE

Sue has over 30 years experience working in the emergency department and a strong commitment to enhancing patient care and staff welfare.

Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to constantly looking for ways to improve patient experience and the flow of patients through the department.  Her role as nurse manager has equipped her with a robust understanding of the challenges faced within our healthcare system and the importance of effective communication between staff and management.  She is particularly passionate about patient safety, staff engagement and enhancing our environment for patients with additional needs.  She believes that by working collaboratively with fellow staff members, patients and the governing board, the Council of Governors can foster an environment that encourages innovation, transparency and continuous improvement. 

As a staff governor, she will strive to represent the voices of my colleagues, ensuring that their insight and concerns are heard in the decision-making process.  She is committed to working towards a vision of delivering excellence in all we do, where quality care and staff satisfaction go hand in hand. 
 

SEKINAT OJETOLA

Sekinat is an Advanced Practitioner Pharmacist within the Trust.  She has developed a comprehensive understanding of healthcare from both a clinical and patient-centred perspective. This background adequately equips her to effectively represent the interests and priorities of colleagues, patients and service users, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.

She is particularly passionate about championing Health Equity and Access for patients especially for those in underserved populations, irrespective of background, as well as promoting diversity and inclusivity within the workplace. As such, she has occupied roles within networks that allow her to proactively engage and lead on projects that align with these values. Be it as a Core20Plus Ambassador with the NHS England and NHS Improvement team, or as a member of the Workplace Racial Equality Network, she continuously seeks platforms that aim to effect positive change.

Outside of work, Sekinat has served as a member of the Executive Committee of a community organisation, in the capacity of a Welfare Officer. This role has allowed her to engage with diverse groups and understand the unique challenges they face, further fuelling her commitment to championing inclusivity and equal access to care. 

As a governor, she looks forward to contributing to a collaborative effort in order to uphold the excellent practices that have been established, continue to drive forward improvements in patient care whilst striving to make a meaningful difference for both staff and patients alike.

TIM BURDETT

Tim began his career with the Trust over 15 years ago, and has worked in a variety of roles both within the Trust and in other providers in the region. Over that time the NHS has experienced significant challenges and changes which can have a profound and lasting impact on staff. He is keen to ensure that all staff irrespective of their profession or grade have a voice in the constantly evolving environment that they work in. 

Non-clinical staff can be over looked at times when people think of hospitals as places of providing care and treatment, but are invaluable in the delivery of service whether that is within clinical services, supporting services or corporate services and will look to ensure they are part of the conversation and contribute to positive change.

VACANCY

Mark Tull

Mark began work in the NHS 31 years ago as a Student Nurse and currently has a dual role as a Clinician and a Mental Health Team Manager.  He believes that any successful health organisation must ensure that it has the welfare of not only the community it serves but also the staff it employs.  His is passionate that staff wellbeing and in particular mental wellbeing are high on the agenda of the organisation.

SAEED AHMED

Sid has been working in STSFT for 20 years.  In addition to his leadership role as Clinical Director, he has consistently prioritised fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect within the organisation. Recognising the value of diverse perspectives, he advocates for initiatives that ensure equitable opportunities for all staff members while promoting a harmonious workplace. He believe that empowering individuals not only contributes to their personal growth but also enhances the collective strength and resilience of our workforce. 

Through active participation / collaboration and creating committees and forums (Workforce Race Equality Network and International Medical Graduate office), he has gained insight into the needs and aspirations of our staff, which has enabled him to address challenges effectively such as last summer riots that staff needed support with and supporting the division of Medicine in the Covid-19 pandemic. 

As a Governor, he is committed to leveraging these experiences to champion the voices of our workforce and to drive forward impactful changes that benefit both our staff and the communities we serve. 

With his previous leadership, he will be able to fulfil the role as a governor to hold the board of director accountable for the performance of the trust.  In his experience working with the senior management team, adhering to a principled decision-making strategy has consistently proven to be effective over time.  

Prof Scott Wilkes, Education - University of Sunderland Medical School

Scott is Head of the School of Medicine, Professor of General Practice and Primary Care at University of Sunderland and part-time GP in North Tyneside.  He has extensive experience on a number of Research and Educational Boards and also served as a non-Exec Director for a number of organisations.  Scott is a member of the Society for Academic Primary Care and has delivered a number of BMJ masterclass lectures throughout the UK.  His research interests centre on the management of infertility and hypothyroidism in general practice and embedding new technologies in the clinical consultation.

Cllr Dianne Snowdon

Dianne is the appointed governor representative from Sunderland City Council.  She has represented the Washington Central Ward since 2008 as a Labour and Co-Operative Councillor, and has lived in Washington for most of her life.

She has many years’ experiences as a school governor my community interests including been Chair of the Columbia Community Association and Vice Chair of the Regional Scrutiny Network.

Cllr Paul Dean

Paul is the appointed governor representative from South Tyneside Council.  

We are holding elections for Governors on our Council of Governors in the following constituencies:

If you’d like to know more about being a governor, or are thinking of standing in the election, please attend one of our virtual awareness sessions. An information pack is available by contacting the Membership Office on 0191 202 2171 or downloaded here

Wednesday 2 April at 10:30am
Monday 7 April at 3:00pm
Thursday 10 April at 5:00pm

As spaces are limited, please register by contacting the Membership Office on 0191 202 2171 or via email at stsft.membershipoffice@nhs.net

To complete a nomination form online visit: www.cesvotes.com/STFT2025

If you would like a hard copy nomination form, please contact the Returning officer by calling 020 8889 9203 or email ftnominationenquiries@cesvotes.com

The nomination form will be available from Tuesday 1 April.

You will need to submit your nomination form by 5pm Thursday 1 May 2025

Spring 2025

Summer 2024

Spring 2024