Being a Governor at Alder Hey

Hi everyone, I’m Simon and I volunteer as a Governor at Alder Hey. My role is to represent the Wider North West, which includes places like Manchester where I live. I know the word Governor can sound very serious, like someone in a long coat and an even longer briefcase, but really it just means regular people who care about this hospital and want to help it continue to be excellent. I’m one of them, and if you are reading this, you could be too.

My Alder Hey story started more than twenty years ago. I was born with a heart condition called coarctation of the aorta. Between the ages of around ten and seventeen I had a couple of surgeries and many check ups here. Alder Hey took great care of me throughout. I am now 33, 6ft tall, healthy and doing very well, so I feel incredibly grateful. When I later discovered I could support the hospital by becoming a Governor, it felt natural to step forward and give back.

Being a Governor is completely voluntary. We take part in meetings, hear updates and plans, and are encouraged to question and challenge things where needed. We represent the thoughts and needs of children, families, staff and the wider community, especially when not everyone can be in those rooms themselves. You learn the ropes at the start and there is plenty of help along the way, and after that it becomes a meaningful way to contribute to a hospital that helps so many people every day.

Here is one of the things I have been involved with recently…

In September I joined governors from across the region at the Cheshire and Mersey Governor Symposium in Liverpool. It was a chance to learn how different hospitals work, share ideas and understand more about how the NHS is changing. Alder Hey was excellently represented on the day. Our Lead Governor, Ana Samuel, was part of the team helping to run and chair the event. Our Youth Forum also had time to shine, which made me especially proud. There was even a quiz with chocolate prizes, although I went home full of ideas instead of chocolate.

Being a Governor is something I value a lot. The hospital once looked after me, and now I have the chance to help support it in return. If you care about Alder Hey and want to be part of improving things for children and families now and in the future, it is worth looking into Governor roles. Oh and by the way… it also looks great on a CV.

If you ever want to chat about the role, share your own Alder Hey experiences or ask how to get involved, you are always welcome to reach out.