Council of Governors – Who is your governor?

For Doctors and Dentists

• Professor Hany Eldeeb [email protected]

For Nurses and Midwives

• Caroline Kintu [email protected]

Hello, my name is Caroline Kintu, and I am a midwife. I have worked at MKUH for over ten years, and people often ask me how I know everyone? The answer is always simple: being courteous to all, recognising and walking around the hospital site, acknowledging our commitment and relentless dedication to our service users. Those who know me describe me as caring, compassionate, and with a deep empathy for those in need. I am strong, resilient and seek to share these qualities with everyone I encounter. I have a keen interest in the empowerment of others, and I have supported many to achieve their professional goals and they are thriving in maternity, nursing, radiology, and a paramedic.

My most important contribution will be as your advocate, to make an impact and influence decisions positively within our Trust. I will champion your needs in a dynamic and meaningful way, and be honest and authentic. I will demonstrate courage to ask hard questions on your behalf, to talk about issues that we perhaps struggle to talk about, yet they impact our working lives. I will not play it safe because, otherwise: what’s the point?

• Vacant

For scientists, technicians and allied health professionals

• Matthew Burnett [email protected]

For non-clinical staff groups e.g. admin & clerical, estates, finance, HR, management

• Emma Isted [email protected]

I am a single mother from Bedfordshire. Previously I have owned two dancing schools and worked in education for over twenty years. Having made the decision to leave teaching during the first lockdown, I found myself working at MKUH from August 2020, in the admissions team. I thoroughly enjoy working at the hospital, serving the community, and I look forward to extending this service in my role as a governor. In my spare time, I play in a brass band, love crochet and crafting, taking my dog for walks and watching Formula 1 or rugby with my son.

• Amechi Ejoh

I am deeply committed to enhancing the growth and development of Milton Keynes through a data-driven, community-focused approach as a Governor. My aim is to help ensure that policies and strategies reflect the needs of our diverse community, promoting inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability. With a background as a Data Analyst graduate and my current role as an NHS Supervisor, I bring strong analytical skills and a thorough understanding of organisational efficiency. My experience has honed my leadership abilities and my capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. I excel at identifying trends, developing actionable insights, and implementing solutions that deliver real benefits to the community. My passion is to support both the community and staff members to work with the vision set for our great hospital MKUH.

I am currently living in Milton Keynes with my family. I have been part of the MKUH team since February 2022 as a Domestic Supervisor and in my spare time, I watch football, listening to music and studying.

• David Cattigan

I am a dedicated professional with over 16 years of experience at MKUH, where I currently serve as the Elective Operations Manager. I am committed to shaping the future of healthcare and driven by a passion for enhancing patient care and services. Beyond my professional role, I stay deeply involved in my community as a school governor at Watling Academy, in Milton Keynes, as well as the chairman of a local sport and social club CIC.

As a devoted father to three girls and stepfather to two boys, I strive to balance my career with family life, instilling values of kindness and resilience in my children. My involvement in charity work reflects my unwavering commitment to supporting others and giving back to the community. I aim to lead with compassion and inspire growth, trust, and excellence in all areas of my life.

Constituency A – Ashland, Bletchley, Denbigh, Eaton Manor, Fenny Stratford, Mount Farm, Newton Leys, Newton Longville, Simpson, Water Eaton, Whaddon

• Councillor Ken Rowe [email protected]

My tenure in the Royal Air Force instilled in me a deep sense of duty, precision, and the importance of strategic foresight – qualities that I transitioned into my civilian life and career, and which laid a strong foundation for my second career in the tech industry, in sales engineering with VMware, highlighting my commitment to enabling businesses to thrive in the digital age.

Residing in Bletchley, a town with its own historical significance in the realm of code-breaking and computing, I draw inspiration from my surroundings to give back to the community that I call home. My role as a local councillor is a testament to my dedication to public service and community development, helping local communities to grow and evolve, as is my mentor role for The Prince’s Trust, supporting young people in overcoming challenges and helping them to achieve their potential, and my involvement with Mission Motorsport and IT Support, assisting veterans and those in need.

As a governor for MKUH, I am committed to contributing to the health and well-being of our community, helping to ensure that the hospital not only provides exceptional care, but also adopts technological advancements that can enhance patient care and operational efficiency, all part of an unwavering commitment to giving back to the communities of Bletchley and beyond.

• Babs Lisgarten [email protected]

I started my legal career at the independent Bar and in 2004 was given a great opportunity to work in-house in local government as an employed barrister. I have worked within the public sector for over 15 years, leading legal and democratic services teams. I have taken a step away from management, just concentrating on the law, which enables me to spend more time with my family.

I became a Public Governor in late 2019, a month or so before I gave birth to my daughter at the hospital. My experience prior to becoming a governor was simply as a service user. I stood for election because the hospital had done so much for me and my family, and I wanted to get involved and do my bit to help in its functioning.

Constituency B – Crownhill, Emerson Valley, Furzton, Grange Farm, Great Holm, Hazeley, Kingsmead, Knowlhill, Loughton, Loughton Park, Medbourne, Oakhill, Oxley Park, Shenley Brook End, Shenley Church End, Shenley Lodge, Tattenhoe, Westcroft, Woodhill

• Andrea Vincent MBE [email protected]

I am a Town Clerk locally and have spent most of my working life as a public servant mostly as a manager in housing departments where I have frequently worked in partnership with the hospital and other health providers. Moving to Milton Keynes in1988, we gave birth to our daughter in 1991 at Milton Keynes Hospital, as it was then called. Since then as a family we have used the hospital on many occasions across various departments. Also, as a longstanding volunteer with MKACT, I have had occasions to access the services of the hospital for women and children fleeing violence and abuse. Over the years it is clear to me that the hospital has grown in capacity and excellent work practices.

In March 2023 I was appointed a Public Governor of the hospital and I hope my experience in systems management prior to becoming a Governor can support the hospital and staff in its continuous improvement.

• William Butler [email protected]

I was a social and community worker in Northern Ireland until 1986, when I moved to Milton Keynes to work for the Development Corporation. In MKDC I led a social development team that worked with colleagues in other statutory and voluntary organisations to develop MK’s social infrastructure, including the health, education, social and other community services required to meet the needs of a growing population.

I am a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, former director of the UK’s largest mental health charity, Chief Executive of a membership disability charity, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive of a major voluntary sector provider of substance misuse treatment services. As an experienced and innovative voluntary sector leader, I have particular expertise in stakeholder engagement, social value analysis and change management.

Currently a charity management consultant and trustee of a number of local and national charities, I have well developed senior leadership, corporate governance and risk management skills and am keen to sustain work with all of the Trust’s stakeholders to ensure that our services, structure and working relationships are fit for purpose and the future.

Constituency C – Bradwell, Bradwell Common, Campbell Park, Central Milton Keynes, Conniburrow, Downhead Park, Downs Barn, Fishermead, Heelands, Linford South, Neath Hill, Newlands, Oldbrook, Rooksley, Springfield, Willen, Willen Park, Woolstone

• Vacant
• Vacant

Constituency D – Blakelands, Bolbeck Park, Castlethorpe, Clifton Reynes, Cold Brayfield, Emberton, Filgrave, Gayhurst, Giffard Park, Great Linford, Hanslope Park, Haversham, Lathbury, Lavendon, Linford North, Little Linford, Newport Pagnell, Newton Blossomville, North Crawley, Olney, Pennyland, Ravenstone, Redhouse Park, Sherington, Stoke Goldington, Tyringham, Weston Underwood

• Christine Thompson [email protected]

I trained as a nurse at King’s College Hospital in the 1970s and in 2006 returned to King’s College and obtained my master’s degree in Advanced Nursing Practice. I worked as a health visitor for many years and managed the Health Visiting & School Nursing Services for Milton Keynes, retiring as Clinical Director for Children at the Strategic Health Authority. I am passionate about Public Health and Women & Children’s Health.

Since retirement I have served on Gayhurst Parochial Church Council and regularly attend our local authority parish meeting. I am an RBL Poppy Appeal Organiser and have an interest in veterans’ healthcare. These established connections give me opportunities to engage with residents in my local community and learn their views and concerns about our health systems. I also believe that my nursing experience from practitioner to strategic roles will enable me to contribute positively to the Board.

• John Gall [email protected]

My career started as a medical biochemist and researcher but I later read medicine and now practice as a consultant forensic physician and, more recently, as a medical examiner. My background includes senior hospital consultant roles, particularly managing child abuse cases. Having also founded and managed a successful private medical company, I understand the importance of adhering to standards, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of teamwork for positive patient outcomes. Living in Newport Pagnell, I have become intimately familiar with its operations through personal, family and professional connections. I am eager to contribute to the strategic direction and effective governance of the Trust, ensuring optimal outcomes for both the organization and its patients. In both my hospital and private practice, ensuring patients achieve the best outcome and are courteously and well cared for is very important and should be the normal for MKUH. As a Public Governor, I am more than happy to have a chat.

Constituency E – Beanhill, Bleak Hall, Brinklow, Brook Furlong, Brooklands, Broughton, Browns Wood, Caldecotte, Coffee Hall, Danesborough, Eagle Farm South, Eaglestone, Glebe Farm, Kents Hill, Kingston, Leadenhall, Middleton, Milton Keynes Village, Monkston, Netherfield, Oakgrove, Old Farm Park, Peartree Bridge, Pineham, Tilbrook, Tinkers Bridge, Walnut Tree, Walton Manor, Walton Park, Wavendon, Wavendon Gate, Woughton on the Green, Woughton Park

• Claire Hill [email protected]

I qualified in commercial horticulture in the Seventies. I have worked for the Farmers Weekly and international companies advising growers and farmers, training staff, growers and communicating with the press in a number of managerial roles. I was a Nuffield Farming Scholar in the Eighties and chair of Hertfordshire Young Farmers. I became involved with the hospital when I was admitted after a serious car accident. I wanted to give something back so I joined the Friends of Milton Keynes Hospital & Community in 1987. The most rewarding part of this has been taking the paper and goodies trolley around the wards. The Friends shop opened when the hospital opened in 1985 and I have been involved with it since 1987. I became a governor because I am passionate about the hospital and under normal circumstances have contact with patients and staff on the wards giving a slightly different background to most public governors.

• Adam Chapman-Ballard [email protected]

I’ve lived in Milton Keynes for over 30 years and have been a user of the hospital and health facilities many times. As Chairman of Walton Community Council, I get lots of queries about the health service in Milton Keynes that I, as a Governor, can help address in a ‘big picture’ context. To that goal, my professional career is as a global Chief Marketing Officer for a large fintech software company. This means I’m quite used to planning ahead, working to a strategy and delivering against deadlines.

I became a Governor as I believe that my experience in both business and from my community work can come together to help drive better experiences and outcomes for anyone using MKUH.

Constituency F – Bancroft, Bancroft Park, Bluebridge, Bradville, Bradwell Abbey, Calverton, Fairfields, Fullers Slade, Galley Hill, Greenleys, Hodge Lea, Kiln Farm, Linford Wood, New Bradwell, Oakridge Park, Old Wolverton, Stacey Bushes, Stantonbury, Stony Stratford, Two Mile Ash, Upper Weald, Whitehouse, Wolverton, Wolverton Mill, Wymbush

• Andy Forbes [email protected]
• Fran Vernon [email protected]

Constituency G – Outer catchment area – Beachampton, Buckingham, Hanslope, Leighton Buzzard, Linslade, Old Stratford, The Brickhills, The Horwoods, Winslow, Woburn, Woburn Sands

• Ian Oswald

I am a seasoned technology leader with over 30 years of experience delivering transformation in financial services. As a long-term resident of Buckingham, I have been actively involved in local life, serving as a rugby coach for over a decade, fostering teamwork and a strong sense of community — values that are critical to enhancing healthcare. I have personal experiences at MKUH, where both of my children were born and where I recently received exceptional care from the surgical and oncology teams, which has only strengthened my commitment to supporting the hospital.

My professional background includes advising at board level on service improvement and technology-driven transformation. Formerly a partner at Ernst & Young, and now Chief Strategy and Delivery Officer on the UK board of a specialist technology provider in financial services, I bring extensive experience in service delivery, customer-focused transformations, strategic analysis, and governance.

In my role as a Governor, I am eager to bring my expertise in transformation through technology. I am excited to help MKUH continue to provide excellent, patient-centred care for all.

• Tom Daffurn [email protected]

Living in the town of Buckingham for over 30 years, I am a father of twin boys and an older daughter, and a grandfather to four children. I had over 30 years’ experience with the then Trusthouse Forte (THF) group, managing several hotels, becoming a Divisional Managing Director and being appointed to the THF Board, as well as being a Governor of Colchester Institute for 10 years.

In 1995 I was invited to join the Post Office Remembrance Fellowship (PORF) Board as a non-executive director, and I was the hotel advisor to the Board until the closure and sale of the hotels, retiring from this role in January 2021. I am now a trustee of the PORF, and I spend time with my wife Gail, I play golf, and I am a volunteer hospital driver, a position I started over five years ago, regularly taking patients to hospitals in Milton Keynes, Stoke Manderville, Oxford, Amersham and High Wycombe. I am keen to represent the people in my area and to support the Board of Governors and the Trust as much as I can.

Constituency H – Extended area – The rest of Buckinghamshire which is not already covered by Constituency G; the rest of Northamptonshire not already covered by Constituency G; the rest of Bedfordshire not already covered by Constituency G; the unitary council area of Luton; Cherwell District, Oxford City, South Oxfordshire council areas

• Paul Newman

I am an experienced leader in the health and social care sector, dedicated to advancing standards and fostering inclusive environments for older adults. I currently serve as Chief Executive at Greensleeves Care, overseeing 28 dementia and nursing care homes across the UK. In addition to this role, I am Chair of the Ageing Societies Committee at the British Standards Institution (BSI), where I lead initiatives on creating age-inclusive communities, and Head of the UK Delegation at the International Standards Organisation (ISO).

My work focuses on patient safety, quality improvement, and person-centred care, with ongoing studies at Oxford University to further my expertise in these areas. I believe my deep commitment to enhancing care services and my strategic insight into governance can make me a valuable addition to Milton Keynes University Hospital’s Council of Governors, where I look forward to supporting the hospital’s mission to deliver high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the community.

Milton Keynes Business Leaders

• Nicholas Mann [email protected]

I am a businessperson, entrepreneur, and non-executive director with over 27 years of experience. As a passionate technologist, I have run several technology firms, one which has spun out, and I continue to run Interdirect, the prominent, Milton Keynes-based marketing agency I founded in 1995.

In 2014, I co-founded the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA), the region’s largest and most coveted awards ceremony which, throughout its ten-year history, has grown annually. MKBAA brings together the largest and most diverse gathering of influential people to be found in the same room, on any night, in MK. In addition, since 2019, I have chaired the Milton Keynes Business Leadership Partnership, MK’s leading business network. MKBLP is a membership organisation that represents and promotes the business interests of our members and other businesspeople in MK and its surrounding area.

My other non-executive roles include a trusteeship for The Safety Centre charity, vice-presidency of the Milton Keynes Community Foundation, and now a proud member of MKUH’s Council of Governors.

Healthwatch MK

• Maxine Taffetani [email protected]

I am the Chief Executive of Healthwatch Milton Keynes, the independent local champion for people in receipt of health and social care services in Milton Keynes. I became an appointed governor in 2017 when I joined Healthwatch Milton Keynes. I have worked in the charitable sector in Milton Keynes for 13 years as a senior manager for young people’s sexual health services and as CEO of Healthwatch Milton Keynes. As an experienced champion of people’s voices, I’m keen to ensure that Healthwatch Milton Keynes represents the voice of the patients of Milton Keynes University Hospital through my role on the Council of Governors. Outside of my work, I am a mother to two young sons in a British-Italian household where I spend a lot of my time cooking and doing home crafts with my boys.

Milton Keynes City Council

• Councillor Ansar Hussain

After completing my studies, I worked across various sectors, ultimately establishing and running my own transport business for over 20 years. My public service journey began over a decade ago as a School Governor at Greenleys Junior School. I spent 13 years on Wolverton Town Council, serving as Vice Chair, Chair, and the first Mayor of Wolverton. In 2023, I was re-elected as a City Councillor for Milton Keynes. Additionally, I have been a board member of MKiAC, a community organisation, for the past five years, further deepening my commitment to local initiatives.

Throughout these roles, I have been a steadfast advocate for diversity, inclusion, and positive change. I am passionate about making a meaningful difference — whether through local initiatives, addressing community concerns, or serving as a voice for those who need it most. My focus has consistently been on championing local issues and building bridges across our diverse society, and it will remain so as Public Governor at MKUH.

I am committed to ensuring our hospital meets the evolving and diverse needs of our growing population, and I believe that strong governance, transparency, and active community engagement are key to achieving this vision. I look forward to collaborating closely with MKUH, its staff, and our broader community to shape the future of our healthcare system.

University of Buckingham

• Doug McWhinnie [email protected]

I joined Milton Keynes General Hospital, as it was called then, in 1993 as consultant surgeon and practised for 27 years until formal retirement from the NHS. I was part of the team who developed the Undergraduate Medical School in Buckingham in 2013, before focussing on Postgraduate Medicine. The cooperation between university and the NHS is important for both partners in training the young doctors of the future, on which our valued NHS depends.

The growth and development of the city of Milton Keynes is a notable achievement, but our hospital has always been under pressure to deliver due to our city’s remarkable expansion. Therefore, our role as governors includes supporting our management team in their plans for developing Milton Keynes University Hospital. Healthcare delivery is a vital component of any population growth, and offers an exciting opportunity to develop our hospital further by expanding services over the next few years.