Jen Bunn is an elected staff governor, representing Kingston Hospital’s management and administrative staff.
We spoke to Jen about her time as a governor so far.
Q. When were you first elected as a staff governor?
I was elected staff governor in November 2020, following a nomination process voted for by my peers from the staff groups I represent.
Q. Why did you decide that you would like to be a governor at Kingston Hospital?
I have worked at Kingston Hospital since 2010; predominately in admin roles as a ward clerk, physiotherapy outpatient receptionist and now as physiotherapy admin manager. I love working here and feel very proud to work alongside a wonderfully diverse staff group, who work incredibly hard to provide the best patient care.
I am passionate about promoting the value of admin and non-clinical support staff. I saw the staff governor role as an opportunity to use my voice and champion our support staff, whilst also gaining a greater understanding of the ‘inner workings’ of the NHS. I live in Teddington and have used the hospital services for myself and both of my children, so I appreciate having such a fantastic acute hospital on my doorstep.
Q. What do you think your experience and skills bring to the Council of Governors?
I feel my eleven years’ experience of working in the Trust provides me with a real insiderknowledge. I enjoy engaging with staff and I am confident at raising concerns or questioning decisions when necessary. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2012 and was successfully treated thanks to the incredible joint care of Kingston Hospital and The Royal Marsden. My experience of having a serious illness provides me with an opportunity to consider patient experience; especially relating to gynaecological cancer treatment. I have an undergraduate degree in Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychology and have a keen interest in promoting staff health and wellbeing. I have recently trained in REACT mental health and will be helping to roll this out to colleagues across the Trust. I am also a newly appointed Diversity Champion and have volunteered to help promote the Trust’s new equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, striving to implement positive change for staff and patients.
Q. What have you enjoyed the most about being a governor so far?
I have really enjoyed getting to know all of our locally elected governors and the Trust’s NonExecutive Directors. It has been fascinating to hear about the different motivations for becoming a governor and learning about the wealth of personal and career history – I feel quite inspired by the group.
Q. What are you looking forward to as a governor of Kingston Hospital?
Meeting everyone in person!
