Geoff Bagnall

Constituency: Staff: Other Staff and Trust Volunteers

Term of office: 2025 to 2028

Who am I?

Despite living very close to Alder Hey throughout my childhood, I only needed to visit A&E twice, once for a tetanus injection following a dog bite and then with a cut to the head which required a stitch.

I have fond memories of singing Christmas carols on the wards, with the church choir of St John’s, Knotty Ash.

I’ve been a part of the Alder Hey volunteer family for 7 years and I’m a Team Leader. Always ready to help and offer comfort, the volunteers do a fantastic job, that’s what the public say about people in pink.

My work experience includes banking and finance, but largely, commercial and technical roles within the timber and construction industries. I’ve held a number of senior managerial positions and have been a company director. I am a past President of The Institute of Wood Science. Before retiring, I owned a successful driving school.

I’m a keen golfer and a member of Childwall Golf Club. Other interests include photography, music, the theatre and baking. I’ve been baking for about two years, after having a go in a volunteer’s bake-off competition.

What do I bring to this role?

Throughout my career, I have been involved with meeting, dealing with and helping people. I have developed strong interpersonal skills, which are invaluable here at Alder Hey. As a volunteer I spend a lot of time in the atrium, in my mind, the ‘heart’ of the hospital. Often the initial point of contact with the public, it provides an ideal opportunity to create a positive impression.

After a gap of nearly 50 years, I’m back singing with the church choir. St John’s has a craft group, and the ladies knit a range of clothes, blankets etc. for me to bring to Alder Hey.

Twice a week, I distribute the items to mum’s pf neonatal babies (up to 28 days) and ask mum is she needs a midwife appointment. Being in hospital can be very lonely, so relationships are formed with parents who appreciate the chance to talk. I am proud of how I, along with a colleague have developed this important service which will be further enhanced when the new neonatal unit opens.

My 3 key attributes:

Enthusiasm to help visitors at Alder Hey
Maturity, but with a forward-thinking outlook
The ability to communicate with patients, families, friends and, of course, our amazing staff

My 3 key objectives:

To expand the reputation of Alder Hey as the leading provider of health care for children and young people, both in the UK and worldwide
Further develop strong relationships and partnerships with the community
To develop a fully inclusive service for all.