Appointment is a real homecoming

»»HEALTHWATCH Cornwall which aims to ensure people’s experiences and opinions influence health and social care decision-making has a new chief executive.

Debbie Gilbert, pictured, who grew up in historic Walsingham Place in Truro, has been appointed to the role while four new non-executive directors have joined the board – Mike Wall, Dr Clive Acraman, Richard Williams and Dr Keith Judkins.

“My parents ran their business from number one, where we lived, and Healthwatch Cornwall offices are at number six,” she said. “I couldn’t wish for a better location or a more exciting role.”

Describing herself as a ‘proud Cornishwoman’, Debbie is at the helm of an organisation which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year and is part of a network of more than 150 groups across the country.

“Staff and volunteers at Healthwatch Cornwall do an amazing job and I feel very privileged to be joining them,” said Debbie. “Our role is to give every resident a voice in local health and social care planning – including those in harder to reach groups.

“I’ve spent most of my working life advocating for people whose views aren’t always listened to and am committed to reaching out, listening and feeding back so improvements can be made.”

Dr Judkins is a retired consultant anaesthetist and clinical director who was working as a Healthwatch Cornwall volunteer before being asked to join the board as vice chair.

He said: “I’ve always been passionate about healthcare and welcome the opportunity to fulfil that passion in an entirely new way.”

Anna Pascoe has been Healthwatch Cornwall’s chair since April 2022.

“I’m delighted to welcome Debbie as our CEO and Mike, Clive, Richard and Keith as our new non-executive directors,” she said. “We’ve got a strong team in place and I’m looking forward to Healthwatch Cornwall continuing to make a real difference in 2024.”

For more information visit www.healthwatchcornwall.co.uk