Torrance woman encourages others to join her on NHS board

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is looking for people in East Dunbartonshire with the necessary skills or experience to consider joining its Board – and you don’t need to be a health expert or have previous Board experience.

The Board is keen to attract applicants from all walks of life who are interested in health care. Some of current members bring experience from their own respective area of expertise, such as social work or as community workers. Others have a financial or education background. Some members are retired healthcare professionals or have held senior civil servant positions.

Trisha McAuley, from Torrance has held a non executive post on the Board for 18 months.

Trisha said: “I have found being a Board member to be both challenging and rewarding. It’s a big responsibility, but a nice one, where you have the opportunity to make things better for people.

“It’s a large board – in fact it’s the largest single health authority in the UK – with big responsibilities to help steer the strategic development of NHSGGC to deliver safe and sustainable patient care to more than one million people.”

Trisha began her career in nursing, before moving into consumer affairs, so has a passion for patients’ rights.

She said: “Like most people I knew about the big issues around health but didn’t have any up-to-date or in-depth knowledge. And nor did I need it. You get lots of support when you start at first, so it’s not nearly as scary or daunting as it sounds. I urge people to come along to the information session to find out more – it’s a great ongoing development opportunity to be part of one of the most important public sector organisations in Scotland.”

The board currently has 27 directors – all appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing and they usually serve for a minimum of four years.

The time commitment required can vary, but is usually about three days a month. For this commitment, you would receive circa £8,000 a year and essential travel expenses are covered.

NHSGGC is holding awareness sessions for people interested in becoming a non-executive director. The sessions will be held in Maryhill Community Central Hall, Glasgow G20 7YE on Wednesday 16 March at 4pm and 7pm. If you would like to know more please get in touch with John Hamilton 0n 0141 201 4608 or email [email protected].

Applications for these positions close on Friday 25 March.