Rita Merrison, Governor

Rita Merrison I have been a public governor representing the city of Derby for 6 years and now in my final term of office.

As a qualified nurse I worked in the NHS for 39 years and have been an active member of the Royal College of Nursing, holding a variety of positions including President of the Derbyshire Branch.

I am Chair of the Governor Engagement Group (GEG) during these last 18 months, I have sought to maintain contact with the Trust and the constituents of Derby City. This has proved to be challenging through the impact of the pandemic but has been overcome through GEG virtual meetings with staff and through face-to-face support of the bereaved. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet with staff who were caring for patients suffering with COVID-19 and while this was an emotional experience, the process enabled the planning of further, more effective support for these teams.

I believe that all of the staff across the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton sites have gone above and beyond in caring for patients and their families.

I support the Trust’s Recovery and Transformation Plan which seeks to reduce waiting times and re-introduce services. I also endorse the agenda ‘Caring for the Carers’ which promotes the well-being of all staff.

I continue to be passionate about patient care and staff welfare and fully support the Trust during the challenging times ahead.

To contact this governor, send an email for their attention to uhdb.governor@nhs.net.