IAN THOMSON - Public Governor

I’ve spent most of my working life as a paramedic. I’d briefly been an apprentice with Pilkington’s, the glass empire, but I realised after I joined the NHS that I’m better with people than machines!

It’s a privileged role. You get to see new life – I’ve delivered a couple of babies in my time – and you can help someone die with dignity. When families are going through such difficult times they need someone with both compassion and composure.

I truly enjoyed my role, but I got to 60 and realised finding the endurance needed for the front line was becoming a challenge. I wanted to better myself so I became a magistrate. I’m still serving in the family courts on Merseyside. I try to help children who are often affected in disputes between parents.

Although I’m now a ‘young’ man of 68 I feel age shouldn’t exclude you from involvement in life, you can still utilise your skills. I’ve

become a befriender with Mersey Care. I would visit one young man in Ashworth Hospital who didn’t feel very good about himself. When the pandemic came, I’d write him letters, encouraging him to stay strong. He was so pleased.

I applied to be a governor because I believe we should all try to come out of our comfort zone. It’s not easy to come into a new role, but I was more than pleased that people had put their trust in me.

I’d like to be thought of as a critical friend. It’s important to give people hope and make new relationships. I compare it to my bowling team; win or lose we always have a cup of tea and a biscuit together afterwards. We’re all here to play our part.

To learn more about our Council of Governors, go to merseycare.nhs.uk

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

29 September 2022, 10.45am to 12.10pm

The Annual General Meeting is a great opportunity for you to find out more about our Trust, including our achievements and challenges. Also our Annual Report and Accounts from last year. All our members will receive details of the event. If you would like to attend the Annual General Meeting, please confirm via email to AGM2022@merseycare.nhs.uk or call 07977 401 384

Find out more about our membership and governors at: merseycare.nhs.uk. Tel: 0151 471 2303 or 0151 473 2778 Email: membership@merseycare.nhs.uk Write to: Alison Bacon, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, V7 Building, Kings Business Park, Prescot, Liverpool L34 1PJ