Our board

Trustees - what do they do?

Our trustees are responsible for making sure we are doing what we was set up to do.

• They are the people who lead us and decide how we are run.
• Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact on people’s lives.
• They help to make a difference to the community across North Yorkshire.
• Trustees use their skills and experience to support and help us achieve our aims.

Healthwatch North Yorkshire trustees

Pat Southgate, Chairperson

I’m Pat. I’m a retired nurse with 44 years of experience, including 30 years working in the community to help families and people live healthier lives. I’ve worked in hospitals and local health services and supported other nurses through my work with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Right now, I volunteer at York and Scarborough NHS Hospital Trust and Martin House Hospice, and I’m on the board of York Housing Association. I’ve also been a school governor at Sheriff Hutton School.

I’ve always seen how people’s health is linked to things like housing, money, and where they live. I want to keep speaking up for people in North Yorkshire to make sure everyone has the chance to live a healthy, happy life.

Caroline O'Neill

I’m Caroline. I became a trustee at Healthwatch North Yorkshire in April 2025. I’ve always believed in the importance of Healthwatch and want to help make sure people’s voices are at the heart of local health and care.

I’ve worked with the NHS and North Yorkshire Council to help make health and wellbeing services better for local people. I’ve worked in charities, local councils, and businesses, and I bring experience of working with lots of different organisations.

I’m determined to help make sure everyone in North Yorkshire can live a healthy life, and that services listen to what people need.

Janette Walker

I’m Janette. I joined as a trustee in April 2025. I’ve worked for over 25 years in finance, health, and social care, always focusing on speaking up for people who use care services and making sure they get the best support possible.

I’ve also been a city councillor in Leeds, where I was proud to stand up for my local community.

Being part of Healthwatch North Yorkshire means I can carry on making sure people’s voices are heard, respected, and used to make services better for everyone.

Stephen Hanna

I’m Stephen. I joined as a trustee in April 2025. I work as a GP in a rural practice in North Yorkshire and also teach at Hull York Medical School.

Every day, I see the challenges people face when trying to get care. I want to bring this experience to Healthwatch North Yorkshire and help make sure services work for everyone.

I care about making sure people’s voices are heard and that everyone can get the care they need.

Shona Eyre

Profile coming soon...

Hannah Darton

Profile coming soon...

Alan Cram

I’m Alan. I’ve worked in finance for over 20 years. I joined Healthwatch North Yorkshire in February 2024 as treasurer, helping to look after the charity’s finances.

In my current job, I lead projects that teach people about money and help charities. I also help local schools by offering work experience.

I’ve supported many charities over the years and know how important good health and care services are. I want to help people speak up and make sure their experiences are heard so that services improve for everyone.

John Cunningham

I’m John. I have over 25 years of experience working around the world on new technology projects and helping charities and businesses grow.

I’ve helped companies and investors understand challenges in different countries, and I want to bring this experience to Healthwatch North Yorkshire.

I’m excited to help tackle problems and make sure health and care services work well for everyone.

Alison Wood

I’m Alison. I joined Healthwatch North Yorkshire in January 2024. I’ve worked in finance, helping big organisations plan and run projects.

I recently finished a Master’s degree in psychology, focusing on making sure people’s views are included when health decisions are made.

I’m passionate about making sure decisions in health and care really listen to people and use their experiences to make services better.

Alan Cunningham

I’m Alan. I’m a retired GP with 32 years of experience in Harrogate. I joined Healthwatch North Yorkshire in June 2024, and I still care deeply about making sure patients come first.

Throughout my career, I held roles focused on introducing health services and prescribing medication, and I was involved in the development and running of a new health centre in Harrogate.

I’m dedicated to making sure health and care services put people at the centre and really listen to what they need.