Staff governors
Meet our members of staff who are also governors- Karen Smith-Baker
Health professional and health scientist staff
I have worked at UHS for 10 years - starting as a trainee through to my current post as a Consultant Clinical Scientist in Immunology. I assist in interpreting and reporting complex laboratory results for the investigation of autoimmune diseases, allergy, immunodeficiency and cancers of the immune system. I am proud to work at this hospital and enthusiastic about this opportunity as a governor, representing the healthcare professional and healthcare scientist community.
I am particularly invested in having views from Pathology represented at board level and aim to contribute positively to the working lives of our teams. Becoming a governor is a rewarding experience and I believe having Healthcare Scientist representation on the council can provide valuable insight into our daily workings. Being able to provide feedback (to and from the council) gives us the opportunity to boost morale and staff engagement following recent challenging years.
Declaration of Interests
Active member of the Royal College of Pathologists
Active member of the Immunology Professionals Committee (IPC) within the Association of Laboratory Medicine
- Sathish Harinarayanan
Medical practitioners and dental staff
I am a consultant Clinical Oncologist, specialising in delivering modern radiotherapy techniques along with novel treatments with targeted agents, and Immunotherapy in treating cancers. Pioneering in IOERT (Intra Operative Electron Radiotherapy) to complex pelvic colorectal cancers, which is a unique experience available only in our Southampton cancer centre in the country currently.
Having worked in NHS for more than a decade and with my professional background, I feel strongly that I have skills and attributes to be a medical staffing governor and very delighted to join the council of governors and represent medical and dental staff. I strongly feel my passion in combining with my professional skills, I will make a big difference to staff who need someone not only listening to them, but also addressing their issues and concerns to improve their working atmosphere. Will reflect on local issues within and outside the trust and bring staff’s views to light.
We have resilient workforce, with whom I can work closely and commit to ensure the voices are heard to deliver an excellent service to our service users. Quality improvement and creating a good and pleasant working atmosphere is my goal and passion.
I have a good insight in acknowledging our valuable workforce to keep staff retention as a priority. I always feel that I have the qualities of compassion, listening skills so people can approach me and will make sure our voices are heard in any strategic change and improvements needed to deliver high quality health care services.
Declaration of interests:
Has a private practice with GenesisCare
- Jake Smokcum
Nursing and midwifery staff
I have been working in a variety of roles and departments across UHS for the past 20 years. As an elected nursing and midwifery representative I welcome the opportunity to influence healthcare in Southampton, holding the Trust to account and ensure transparency. My main aim is to represent people’s opinions about UHS, identifying their needs, ensuring quality care, and driving the well-being agenda for our staff and volunteers. I am passionate about UHS, despite the challenging economic environment I want to help the Trust strive for excellence in all it does. Everyone needs the NHS and we want it to be there when we need it.
I have strong communication, team working and analytical skills along with a good understanding about the varied nursing needs of our patients. Being the current lead matron for adult critical care and previously working in the site operations office I have a wide knowledge and understanding of operational management across the Trust whilst over seeing a large workforce. I am an effective leader and manager; I highly value our staff as they are integral in making UHS what it is.
Declaration of Interests:
None
- Liz Taylor
Non-clinical and support staff
I have worked in UHS for over 12 years as a leadership and communications skills trainer, combining this with external lecturing roles and volunteering work. I also personally support colleagues on a confidential basis as ‘freedom to speak up champion’, ‘safe-space practitioner’, ‘career support advisor’ and as a coach or mentor.
My background in recruitment, retail and education in both public and private sectors, has given me a wide range of business and leadership skills and an unswerving passion for customer service, inclusive leadership and people development. Being an extrovert, I love connecting with other humans and I am known for my enthusiasm, insight and creativity.
As a governor my superpower will be to connect people; raise engagement with our staff and community stakeholders and to encourage staff and patients to have their say on how to make our hospital world class in healthcare and a great place to work.
Declaration of Interests:
Husband is the director of Black History Month South Community Interest Company