Ancillary, Admin and Other Staff - Veronica Bilbé | Staff Governors

I was delighted to be elected as Staff Governor (Ancillary, Admin and Other Staff) and have now served in this role for over two years. It is a privilege to represent and be an advocate and champion for my colleagues in the Royal Surrey Family. I have lived in Guildford for 40 years. I am married with four children and grandchildren and the whole family have benefitted from Royal Surrey as their local hospital. I first became involved with the hospital when having my own children and as Chair of Guildford, Godalming and Cranleigh National Childbirth Trust when we were part of very successful liaison committees.

I am a senior phlebotomist and have worked at Royal Surrey for over ten years. I have a degree in Pharmacology from Manchester University. In my role I have contact with staff and patients across the hospital including the wards, Cancer Centre, outpatient clinics and paediatrics. I also work at Haslemere, Farnham Road and Cranleigh Village Hospitals and our new CDC at Milford. I see every patient encounter as an opportunity to improve that patient’s experience and the quality of the care we offer. It has therefore been very valuable to me to serve on a governor’s committee-The Patient Experience Committee. Staff governors can offer an “on the ground” perspective whereas many public governors may have little or no prior NHS experience. I am extremely proud of my team and all the staff I represent particularly the receptionists, medical secretaries and admin staff who go the extra mile to support our patients and without whom the hospital could not function.

I have learnt so much concerning the governance of the hospital over the last two years. It has been significant to be involved in the adoption of a collaborative Group Model with Ashford and St Peter’s hospitals thus offering greater quality and access to care for our patients. Governors have a most important responsibility in holding the Board of Directors to account for the performance of the Trust. The Council of Governors work together in a collaborative and friendly way to undertake this vital role that enables the hospital to have the autonomy of a Foundation Trust.

It is an honour serve as a Governor of this hospital.

Please contact me if there is anything I can help with.

Contact Veronica:  veronica.bilbe@nhs.net