Staff constituency

It is important to have a staff constituency in the council of elected governors, where our colleagues are represented.

Sarah Essex

I have worked at South Tees for six years and I am currently cancer research team lead. I am a scientist by training and extremely proud to work for the NHS, playing a part in improving care for our patients.

My role in setting up and running cancer trials involves working with many different departments and many different people both clinical and non-clinical, as well as a large patient population, offering our patients the latest treatments, surgical techniques and diagnostic methods.

I am clinical research practitioner engagement lead for the North East and North Cumbria, which is a voluntary position where I focus on staff development and recognition.

Isaac Oluwatowoju

I want to help the trust provide excellent care for those who use the services and provide better support to staff.

I have spent most of my seven years of employment at James Cook working in pathology among staff with different backgrounds, race, ethnicity and specialties.

Outside of work I have a pastoral role over a church of people from different nationalities. As a religious leader I have constant interaction with other community people from other faiths.

I have taken on the responsibility of pathology clinical supervisor to help the FY2 (foundation) doctors.

Julian Wenman

I have worked at South Tees for seven years and I am currently service manager of the James Cook Cancer Institute.

Like others, I’m proud to work for the NHS, and really want to do my bit to support patients and staff. In addition to my day job, I’m a coach, mentor and the lead for the NHS graduate scheme within the trust.

I’m keen to promote civility, compassion, kindness and a coaching culture and with a previous career in specialist mental health services, I want to enhance the care and support given to staff to help them remain at or return to work. I also want to support the trust to improve their recruitment and retention.