Meet Your Governors

If you would like to contact any of our Governors, please use the link below and start your message 'message for Governor Name'

cdda-tr.governors@nhs.net

Occasionally, Governors may seek views of members on specific issues and details of these can be found on the 'related publications' links on this page.

Public Governors

The Public Governors represent the geographic area covered by the Trust and this is split into nine constituencies:

Chester-le-Street - Kathryn Featherstone

Kathryn Featherstone qualified as a pharmacist in 1983. She spent 16 years working as a community pharmacist and pharmacy proprietor before also taking on practice pharmacist work in 1999 and becoming involved with her local PCT, spending time as a pharmacist on the professional executive committee. She later became Head of Medicines Management at South Tyneside PCT for almost four years until September 2007 and then worked as a consultant, primarily with the two Local Pharmaceutical Committees in NHS South of Tyne & Wear, where she was Secretary of Sunderland LPC. She is Clinical Lead for Intelligent Prescribing Solutions Ltd, a company providing prescribing support services to GP practices.  Kathryn helped set up the Listening Friends scheme, a telephone help-line for pharmacists under stress and was one of the National co-ordinators for 20 years. When not at work, Kathryn has a caravan near Bamburgh on the North East coast where (weather permitting) she enjoys beach walks. Favourite thing to do - swim with dolphins - but in warmer water than the UK!

Chester-le-Street - Carmen Martin-Ruiz

Joined the Trust as a member in 2012 and elected for the Council of Governors in January 2013.  Born in Madrid, Spain, Carmen graduated in Biology from the University of Granada, Spain in 1991 and after a Masters in Biochemistry she then moved to Paris for her PhD in Human Physiology.  In 1998, she moved to the UK to work with the Medical Research Council Unit at the Newcastle General Hospital.  Carmen has been involved in several UK and international research projects studying Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, autism and vascular dementia, and more recently, the general aging process.  Since 2006 she has been part of the Newcastle 85+ study, studying in great detail, the health of those aged 85+ and how different health paths associate with biological, clinical and social factors.  More recently, Carmen has become part of the Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre and Unit as manager of the Biomarker Lab searching for molecular markers of ageing that can then be used to inform clinicians.   Carmen has first hand personal experience of the wide range of NHS services from GP practice and initial diagnosis to bereavement counselling and as a mother of two little girls, knows the complexities of child health care and the need for good communication between patients / relatives and professionals.

Darlington - Marian French (newly elected)

Marian has lived in Darlington since 1978 and is a dedicated family person.  She cares deeply about our Health and Social care, especially in the areas of standards of care and training.  Marian became a Governor because she feels that current health and social care provision is under threat and is entering a period of great change.  In her view, the Trust needs to position itself to deal with the future and remain robust and able to meet the needs of the local community.  The Governors need to be representative of the community they serve and be able to speak on their behalf.  Marian is passionate in the belief that the needs of the community rest on the people who are willing and able to act on their behalf - she is now in that position and very keen to contribute.

Marian brings a willingness to give her time and energies to supporting the development, not the demise of local services.  Her key skills include; communication; interpersonal interaction with a diverse range of people; commitment; openness; willingness to take on a challenge and kindness and empathy.  Her experience includes 11 years as a Staff Nurse and Staff Midwife at North Tees and Darlington Memorial Hospitals, 21 years at Darlington College as a Lecturer, rising to Head of Department, managing a REgional Collaborative Centre of Vocational Excellence in Adult Social Care and as a Specialist Advisor for the awarding organisation City & Guilds.  Marian has complemented her nursing and education qualifications with an MBA in Strategic Management.

Marian retired in 2016 and now contributes to the care of her elderly mum who has Dementia and Alzheimer's.  She also enjoys being outdoors and is a member of the Embroiderers Guild.

Darlington - Borsha Sarker

Personal Statement

My election summary stated - In voting for me you will get an ex-staff member, ex-staff Governor, local resident and local patient who cares!

"I am delighted to have been elected and wish to take this opportunity to thank all those who voted for me. I hope to represent the Darlington Public Constituency members effectively".

Biography

Borsha has worked as a Radiographer/Sonographer in the NHS since 1986, including DMH Radiology from 1995-1997, so is familiar with this hospital. Her family served their entire careers in the NHS, her mother as a Scientist in Biochemistry and her father as an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Manchester.

Her husband (Keith Gunning) spent 15 years as a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Darlington Memorial Hospital until 2014 and has looked after many Darlington residents, staff members and was a CDDFT Staff Governor himself. They all live locally and have all been patients at DMH.

Borsha is proud of and believes in the NHS and its values and in treating people fairly and with respect, which is why she became an accredited (ERA) Trade Union Representative for Unison.

Borsha brings her previous experience as an FT Staff Governor at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust from 2005-2009. She has in the last year completed TUC qualifications in Employment Law, is a Company Director for gECHO ultrasound solutions limited and an elected member of the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS). Most recently she has been a  part time employee at Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, Gateshead Health NHSFT and BMI Woodlands Hospital, Darlington.

Borsha believes that NHS changes are heading for regional centralisation, around the geography of Teesside, Wearside and Tyneside and is concerned that vital local services remain in Darlington as far as possible. She has links with members of Darlington Rotary Club, current/previous staff members from CDDFT and the Hospital League of Friends. She welcomes contact from members.

Darlington - Kath Fawcett

Kath retired in March 2017, after working in the NHS since September 1966 almost continuously apart from breaks to have her two daughters.  She has a 10 year old Grandson who lives in the West Midlands and another Grandchild on the way.  Kath enjoys spending time with her family, walking the dog - Max, and trying to keep her garden under control.

The majority of Kath's career was spent in the area of Elderly Care at DMH which she thoroughly enjoyed as she feels there is something very special about caring for our older generation.

Derwentside - Ethel Armstrong

Ethel joined the NHS as an employee in 1948, serving a multi-disciplinary career spanning 42 years until retirement in 1990.  She has worked and lived in England, Scotland and Wales during her career.  Now a member of the NHS Retirement Fellowship from 1990 to date, Ethel has served a total of 68 years service between the NHS and the registered charity.  During her time with the charity, Ethel has served as Chairman of the Durham branch, a National Vice-Chairman, Chairman then National President.  She was elected by the membership as their Life Patron in July 2015.  Previously Ethel has served terms of office as a Governor of the Newcastle NHS FT and has worked with Northumbria Healthcare NHS FT, as well as the South Tees NHS FT.  She is passionate, enthusiastic and committed to the present day NHS and the charity which provides a link between the transition from working in the NHS to retirement for retirees for any discipline.

Derwentside - David Lindsay

Freelance journalist and community activist, based in Lanchester.  David is a regular user of the NHS and is passionately committed to it and to his local community.

Derwentside - Iain Beange

Iain is a Master Mariner having spent sixteen years at sea and sailed as Master on bulk carriers.  On leaving sea, Iain worked as a marine casualty investigator at an international maritime law firm in London before joining marine liability insurer North of England P&I Association Ltd (based in Newcastle) in 1995.  Iain also holds an LLB (Honours) degree from Northumbria University.

Iain has lived with his wife and two daughters in Shotley bridge, Consett since January 2010.

Durham City - Cliff Duff

Born and brought up in East Durham, Cliff has over 30 years' experience in Architecture both designing, managing and delivering housing regeneration and architectural projects for private and public sector organisations.

Cliff is currently employed by Durham County Council on a range of housing projects in the fields of fuel poverty, affordable warmth and national domestic energy conservation programmes.

Cliff has an MA in Socio Cultural Anthropology from Durham University and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building.

Durham City - Carole Reeves

Carole has worked as a librarian and teacher and in publishing.  She has lived in Durham since 1976.

Carole is a founder member of Keep Our NHS Public County Durham.

Durham City - Dr Richard Scothon

With a County Durham family background stretching to the 1700s, it is little wonder Richard has an active interest in the health care and welfare of County Durham and Darlington people.  His research background into the psychosocial needs of people with SEN has led Richard at first hand, to see the way in which the NHS impacts on our local people.   Taking his professional experience into the NHS gives him the opportunity to assist in making sure that the best delivery is given to the many people who use and rely on Trust facilities and expertise. Richard is a presiding Justice in Court and sits on Appeals in the Crown Court in addition to being a law graduate.  This position gives him first hand experience of how the NHS impacts on the lives of people within the legal system.  Not only that, but his business background enables him to oversee and understand the financial well-being of the Trust at a time when our NHS services face enormous financial and professional challenges.   Durham University benefits from Richard's knowledge and understanding of the sociological and psychological ethical challenges that applied researchers face, as he assists in a lay-advisory role.   Durham's research helps highlight the challenges that face some of our local communities and this work helps Richard better understand the NHS's place in those neighborhoods.  Married with two school-aged children, Richard counts health and fitness amongst his keen interests.

Easington - Chris Boyd

Chris is a retired Science Teacher who taught for over 32 years.  He holds a 1st Class Honours degree in Physics with Electronics (Liverpool University) and a PGCE Teaching Certificate.  In his early twenties he served as a local parish councillor.  Chris was a member of the National Union of Teachers and served as a Teacher's School Governor and Health and Safety representative.

As a frequent user of NHS Services because of several lifelong chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and psoriatic arthritis, Chris would like to give back a little for the excellent servce and treatments received.  Suffering a stroke over two years ago, he received treatment from a team of dedicated professionals and this led him to consider contributing to improving the effectiveness of local NHS services in some way, as he feels it can often look confusing and complex.  He has taken part in an active drug trial for a new psoriasis treatment and has also helped in the training of medical students at James Cook University Hospital.

Chris and his wife have three adult children and presently one grandchild.  Since the NHS has been vital to the health and wellbeing of all of his family, Chris is keen to support it in whatever way he can.

Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland - currently vacant

Hambleton, Richmondshire and Tees Valley - currently vacant

Sedgefield - currently vacant

Sedgefield - currently vacant

Sedgefield - David Taylor

David is an accomplished, time served finance and administrative professional with the experience of systems in both industry and commerce of both large and complex organisations and also small to medium sized companies.  Though now spending more time keeping fit and fully aware of local and national financial and political events, along with health care developments regionally.  Originally from Yorkshire, David has lived locally now for over 30 years.

Wear Valley and Teesdale - Dr Ken Davison

Born in North Shields, Ken was educated at RGS Newcastle 1951 to 1958 and then Kings College, University of Durham 1958 to 1962 (B.Sc, Dip.Ed).  Following this, he taught at King David's School, Liverpool 1962 to 1964; Burnt Mill Comp School 1964 to 1969 (Head of Biology); Little Ilford Comp 1969 to 1972 (head of Science); King Harold Comp 1972 to 1975 (Deputy Head); Bishop Barrington Comp, Bishop Auckland (Headmaster; introduced Computers in School, helped develop Computer Timetabling in Durham Schools), 1975 to 1990; His professional career finished at Thomas More School, Frensham, Surrey (a boarding school for boys with learning & behavioural difficulties),1990 to 1992 (head of Maths and Science).

Ken was awarded an MSc 1971, at Birkbeck College, University of London; he was then awarded a PHD in 1996.  Ken is also a Member of the Royal Society of Biology; a Chartered Biologist; a Fellow of the Linnean Society; a Fellow of the College of Preceptors; and a Fellow of the Institute of Analysts and Programmers.  Additionally, he has been involved in charitable work with Crook Rotary Club, Our Lady Immaculate and St Cuthbert's RC Church.

Wear Valley and Teesdale - Alan Cartwright

Elected as a Public Governor in 2017, Alan, is a retired lecturer and college manager.  He is married to Denese with two daughters, a son and five grandchildren.  He currently works part time as an Associate Lecturer with the Open University.  Alan's professional background is in Technical Vocational Training, Higher Education and Management.  A Senior Lecturer and Manager at Newcastle College for 23 years.  Trained as an Electronics Engineer and worked in engineering companies, such as Northern Engineering Industries (NEI).  Prior to taking up a lecturing post at Newcastle College is 1982, worked as a Senior Research Engineer at the International Research and Development Company (IRD).

Awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1977, a Certificate of Education in 1983 and completed a Master of Business Administration Degree in 1992.  Public service includes, an elected member of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council in the 1990s and as a Magistrate for 21 years on the South Northumbria Bench.  A Rotarian and Past president of Crook Rotary Club, currently the club's International Chairman.

Wear Valley and Teesdale - Ian McArdle

Ian worked in the NHS for more than 20 years in a range of roles.  He started as Chief Officer of Central Birmingham Community Health Council (Community Health Councils were statutory bodies that represented the interests of the public in the NHS).  He then worked in a number of general management roles in NHS Mental Health services in the Midlands, and eventually was Director of Mental Health for Walsall in a Community Health NHS Trust.  Ian then worked in consultancy roles and more recently he has worked for Mind, the national mental health charity, in a role supporting the nationwide network of 130 different organisations, most of which provide services commissioned by the NHS.  Ian therefore has a broad and detailed knowledge of the NHS from a number of perspectives.

Like most people, Ian and his family have experience of using NHS services - sometimes in very difficult circumstances.  He grew up in County Durham but lived in the Midlands for most of his adult life, returning in 2012 to live in Bishop Auckland.

Staff Governors

Staff Governors represent the staff group they belong to:

Admin, Clerical and Managers - Neil Williams

Neil is the Trust's PFI Manager.  He is passionate about the NHS and became a Governor to help influence the future of services provided.  He also has experience of being a Governor in the education system and knows the importance that the role of a Governor in a healthcare setting has on the impact and outcomes of the health and wellbeing of the people in the communities served.

AHPs, Professional & Technical and Pharmacists - Joanne Ashton

Joanne is a Clinical Scientist working in Cardiology. She specialises in congenital heart disease and cardiac arrhythmias. She has worked in a number of hospitals, both in the UK and abroad, but has been at CDDFT for 20 years now. Her current role is that of Clinical Lead for Cardiac Physiology. She also sits on the Council of her professional body, and is an assessor for both the Academy and the National School of Healthcare Science. She is passionate about developing staff to be the very best they can be, and would like to see CDDFT established as the employer of choice for healthcare in the north east. Joanne feels that having the best staff will result in having the best care for patients and their families. Favourite quote - "Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don't want to" (Richard Branson). Joanne is married with two grown up children and lives in Durham City.

Ancillary - currently vacant

Community based - Kevin Morley

Kevin is an enthusiastic member of a Multi-Professional Community Matron's team, which he joined in 2015. He has successfully completed a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care at Teesside University, which led to his current position in the Trust.  Kevin has also completed RCN Representative and Stewards Modules and wishes to develop this role further in the future.

In 2014, Kevin was awarded a long service award for 20 years continuous service within the Trust of which he is very proud of receiving.  During his career Kevin has been given numerous opportunities, working as a Health Care Assistant and Chef at Winterton Hospital, which he found most enjoyable and rewarding. Also gaining valuable experience and good working knowledge through his work on the Elderly Care wards at Tindale Crescent Hospital and Children's Ward at Bishop Auckland Hospital, along with working in the School Health Community Team in Spennymoor and then transferring in to the Community Adult District Nursing team in Ferryhill and Spennymoor. "Making a difference to the experience of each individual patient" is what brings Kevin to work each day, focusing on the individual needs of each patient, he takes an active role in supporting staff in the work place to deliver the right care at the right time.

Community based - currently vacant

Medical - currently vacant

Nursing and Midwifery - Jason Joseph Grand

Jason is a local boy, born in Little Thorpe Easington.  He grew up in Thatcher's Britain in East Durham, witnessing the ups and downs of that era and the changes that have followed.  His ambition was to become a nurse, so in his early twenties, he went to study at St Martin's College Carlisle, qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 1998.  Jason's first post was a Staff Nurse at Sunderland Royal Hospital and he enjoyed 14 years working as a Staff Nurse, Senior Staff Nurse and Junior Charge Nurse.  In the middle of that period, he took a job at North Tees as a Critical Care Outreach / Transfer Nurse.  Later in his career, he moved to County Durham and Darlington NHS FT to work as an Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner.  This is by far the most challenging post to date, in Jason's experience.

Working and living in County Durham, Jason sees a diverse population; people with different socio-economic backgrounds; pockets of wealth but also areas of poverty and a rising demand for healthcare for an ageing population.  Jason sees the needs of those living in deprivation, many don't have access to transport and rely on food banks, often living from hand to mouth.  He is part of this community which he loves and is proud to serve and believes he is on God's Earth to help others.  Jason hopes that by being a Staff Governor he can influence decisions in the best interest of the local population, help the Trust to grow in quality and strive to ensure that everyone has equal and fair access to treatment.  He is an advocate for healthcare and believes that all staff should have the opportunity to develop educationally and work in a supported and safe environment.

Nursing and Midwifery - Patricia Gordon

Tricia is a registered nurse, who specialised in orthopaedic nursing and  has worked for CDDFT for most of her 35 year career. Her current role as Senior Nurse for Infection Control means she works across all sites and within both acute and community, making her visible and known to many staff.  She feels passionately about her role as Staff Governor as it helps her to influence and shape future developments and outcomes for patients and the nursing and midwifery staff she represents. Tricia feels the voice of nursing and midwifery staff should be heard as they need to feel valued and empowered to enable them to deliver the best care for our patients.  Tricia is married with three grown up children and lives in Darlington and in her spare time you will find her at the gym or with her head in a book.

Nursing and Midwifery - Bill Sloane

Bill began his nursing career in November 1984 in Dundee and began working in secondary care since arriving in Darlington in 2002.  He is proud to be part of the Acute Intervention Team at County Durham and Darlington NHS FT and to be representing colleagues on the Council of Governors.

Appointed Governors

We also have a number of Governors nominated by our stakeholder organisations.  Appointed Governors and the organisations they represent are as follows:

Healthwatch (shared post):

Brian Jackson, Healthwatch Durham

Since his retirement as Senior Associate Director with the Local Authority, Brian has spent his time ensuring that the patients' voice be heard.  He has done this through membership of various groups within the Clinical Commissioning Group framework.  Through the Patient Reference Group, Brian was kept informed of the development of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan and the new Integrated Care System.  As the Chair of Healthwatch County Durham, he was able to continue to listen to patients' opinions and express them through the Health and Wellbeing Board.  Brian has been involved in various projects within CDDFT relating to the 'Perfect Week' activity and he is currently involved in the development of Stroke Services and Stroke rehabilitation, care navigation and the Great North Care Record.  As a member of the 'Joining the Dots' Group, Brian was able to see the development of a new support package for patients newly diagnosed with various types of cancer.  Brian will continue to ensure that the opinions of all patients are encouraged to be heard through meaningful engagement.

Dr Robert Upshall, Healthwatch Darlington

A southerner originally, hailing from Bournemouth, Robert graduated as a doctor from University College Hospital in London in 1976.  After hospital jobs and GP training posts in Surrey and Hampshire, Robert arrived to join one of the practices operating out of Parkgate Health Centre in 1981.  The practice moved gradually to the Whinfield site from the following year eventually moving out of the Health Centre completely.  Robert continued in that practice as a partner, eventually senior partner, until 2011.  In addition to being a full time GP, Robert did consultancy work for Cleveland Bridge, for a number of years.  He also worked in the Psychiatry department at Darlington Memorial Hospital as a clinical assistant with a special interest in the Elderly Mentally Infirm for a number of years.  Robert worked as an emergency doctor with Healthcall Ltd from 1981 until 2003.  From 2003 until 2010, he worked with Durham Constabulary as a Forensic Medical Examiner (colloquially known as a police surgeon though one is neither police nor a surgeon!)  Robert was a member, latterly vice-chair, of County Durham and Darlington Local Medical Committee representing Darlington GPs from the 19802 until he retired.

Robert has two adult children - a daughter who is trained as an artist, teacher and psychologist who works for a homeless charity as a Health and Wellbeing Manager, and a son who is a musician performing in a local band and works for Darlington company EE.  Since retirement, Robert and his wife like to travel, spending time in his wife's home country, the USA, and for the last few years, he has been involved with Healthwatch Darlington Ltd, a registered charity, currently the Chair as well as being one of their directors and trustees.  Robert maintains a strong interest in healthcare issues and is passionately concerned that locally it should be of the highest quality, available to all equitably and sensitive to the needs of the local population and that providers should be able to explain and justify their decisions to their patients both on an individual basis and to the population as a whole.  Robert was appointed to the Council of Governors by Healthwatch Darlington, and jointly with Brian Jackson, he takes turns to attend Council meetings representing both Healthwatch Darlington and Healthwatch Durham.

Darlington Borough Council - Andrew Scott

Andrew is Darlington Borough Council's portfolio holder for Health and Housing.  He is also the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board and has been a councillor for 15 years.  Andrew is passionate about ensuring that the healthcare available to us is the best it can be.  He is proud to be leading the Health and Wellbeing Board in Darlington and finds it rewarding to see how recommendations made influence decision makers to make improvements in healthcare.  Andrew is a strong advocate for Public health services and believes that by investing in the prevention of ill-health and the promotion of healthier lifestyle choices, the burden on acute care will be reduced.

Andrew is also employed in the public sector at the Disclosure and Barring Service.  In this role he makes decisions about the suitabiulity of people who make work with children and vulnerable adults.  This has provided an in-depth knowledge of the standards required of people who care for us when we are vulnerable.  Andrew has other experience of working in governorship.  He has previously been a school governor at the Education Village and is also the Tees Valley Local Authority representative on the North East Ambulance Service governing body.

Durham County Council - Joy Allen

Joy is currently Durham County Council's Portfolio holder for Safer Communities and Chairs the Police and Crime Panel.  Before standing as a councillor Joy had been employed in the public sector for over 20 years, working for HM Forces, Police, County, District and Unitary Councils and the Fire and Rescue Service where she undertook various strategic and operational community safety management roles.   Before becoming a Councillor Joy worked for the Emergency Planning College as their National Account Manager which involved working with public, private and voluntary sectors and supporting organisations meet their business continuity and civil protection duties.

Joy has BA Hons degree in Management, MSc in Security and Risk Management and an MBA from Durham University Business School and an ILM Level  7  Executive Coaching and Leadership Mentoring Certificate.

North East Ambulance Service - Jennifer Boyle

Jennifer holds the position of Trust Secretary at North East Ambulance Service NHS FT (NEAS), providing support to the Board of Directors and the NEAS' own Governors.  NEAS operates across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Durham and Teesside providing 999, 111 and Patient Transport services.  Their partners include eight acute hospital trusts and twelve local unitary authorities, as well as the police and fire services in the North East.

Jennifer joined NEAS in May 2015, following seven and a half years with the professional services firm, Deloitte LLP. Whilst at Deloitte, Jennifer obtained the ACA chartered accountancy qualification and practiced as an external auditor before specialising in governance.  Jennifer has experience in undertaking governance reviews across a broad range of NHS organisations.

Jennifer is originally from County Durham and currently lives in Birtley.

Local Medical Committee - Dr David Robertson

David graduated in medicine from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and undertook GP vocational training with the Northumbria scheme that included a number of positions in CDDFT at various hospital sites.  David has been a GP for more than 25 years in places as varied as Northern Canada, Norwich and now Barnard Castle.  He has also held a number of non-clinical appointments ranging from Prescribing Advisor to Medical Director and now serves as the Honorary Secretary of County Durham and Darlington Local Medical Committee (the representative body for GPs in the area).

David is committed to supporting the traditional role of general practice at the heart of the NHS.

David is married with two teenage daughters.  Away from work he enjoys walking, cycling, woodworking, pyrotechnics and amateur dramatics.

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust - Levi Buckley

Levi has worked in health and social care for over twenty years in strategic and operational roles including three years as Senior Planning & Performance Manager for CDDFT.  He has worked in corporate and clinical roles in mental health and learning disabilities with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys FT since 2002. He was selected as an appointed governor for TEWV in 2018 following his appointment as Director of Operations for Durham and Darlington. Levi has led TEWV's Staff Health and Wellbeing Board for over seven years and advocates for ensuring we look after the health and wellbeing of staff - happy staff are more likely to deliver high quality services for our service users with a focus on patient experience. His TEWV role includes attending service user and carer groups to seek feedback regarding the quality and responsiveness of services, and ensure that they are actively involved through listening events, co-production of service developments and involvement in Quality Improvement initiatives. More recently Levi has taken a lead role in cross locality and inter-organisational system change through the Transforming Care programme, New Care Models, Accountable Care Partnership and Integrated Care System development. Levi enjoys working with clinical colleagues and throughout his career he has developed effective working relationships with clinical leaders and collaborated to align clinical and business priorities. Levi has a BA Hons degree in Town Planning, MSc in Health Economics and Health policy and Coaching and Quality improvement certification.

Local Universities - Gordon Mitchell

Gordon is currently the Associate Dean for Marketing and Recruitment, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University. This involves responsibility for all recruitment of Health and Social Care professionals within the school; however, Gordon's professional background is in nursing and he started his nurse training in 1980 in Glasgow and undertook his general and mental health nursing qualifications.

Gordon has lived in the County Durham area for over 27 years, working in both Darlington Memorial and at Shotley Bridge Hospital as a Charge Nurse, before moving into nurse education as a nurse tutor.  When the School of Nursing joined Teesside University, he became a Senior Lecturer working mainly on pre-registration nursing programmes, before being promoted to Principal Lecturer in charge of the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities team.  Recently, as part of the university re-organisation, Gordon was promoted again to Associate Dean.

Gordon feels it is a great honour to be appointed a Governor and as a resident of County Durham, looks forward to working with the Trust Board and fellow Governors.

NHS Darlington CCG - Dr Boleslaw Posmyk

Dr Posmyk qualified as a doctor in Leeds in 1981 and became a GP in Hartlepool from 1986 where he still practices while living in Wolviston.  He additionally started regular sessions at the Rockliffe Court Surgery, Hurworth in July 2018.  He gradually became interested in medical management via the Diabetes Local Implementation Team, and then joined the Hartlepool PCT Professional Executive Committee.  He then became a representative on the Hartlepool PBC Group prior to becoming Chair.  Dr Posmyk was elected to be the Locality GP Representative and Chair of the then Hartlepool Shadow Pathfinder Committee and has now been elected to his third term as the Chair of the Governing Body for the CCG.

Dr Posmyk gained an understanding of issues affecting healthcare in Darlington while working for several years on the SEQIHS and follow-on Better Health programmes looking at planning of healthcare in the wider Darlington, Dales, Durham and Tees areas.  From July 2018, he has also been elected to serve as Chair of Darlington CCG.

NHS North Durham CCG - Dr David Smart

David studied medicine at the University of Glasgow.  He qualified in 1981 and following vocational training in Glasgow, became a GP principal at Dunelm Medical Practice in 1985.  He was a member of Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Group (and later Primary Care Trust) serving as a member of the Board and Professional Executive Committee.  David served as Clinical Governance and Appraisal Lead and QoF Inspector during this time.  He remains in active clinical practice and has experience as a GP traner and GP appraiser.  He has been involved with North Durham CCG since its inception and became Clinical Chair in 2014, assuming the role of Appointed Governor at CDDFT at that time also.

NHS Dales, Durham, Easington and Sedgefield CCG - Joseph Chandy

Joseph joined the NHS in 1996 as a Practice Manager in Easington.  He led on GP fundholding within his practice which developed his interest in commissioning.  He always worked collaboratively within his locality which led to working with the GPs in developing his local GP Out of Hours Co-operative from 1998-2004.  He subsequently brought together GPs that had developed new health centre premises between 2001 and 2015 owned by GPs.  He was elected the Chair of Easington Practice Based Commissioning Group from 2005 to 2012 which was traditionally a clinical post.  During this time in 2011 he was appointed as Director of Practice Based Commissioning for Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT) for 12 months before the introduction of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).  In 2012 Joseph founded one of the GP Federations which now exists as South Durham Federation.  In 2013, he was appointed Director of Performance for NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG before being appointed as part time Director of Primary Care in 2014.  Joseph took up the role of part time Director of Primary Care for North Durham CCG in April 2016 also and is now working across both CCGs in this shared role.  Jospeh has been a non-clinical partner in four GP practices until recently and he remains the Management Partner in two local East Durham GP practices.  Joseph holds an MBA and has extensive experience in organisation development, estates, IM&T, clinical and patient engagement and care closer to home.