Patient Governors

Six patient governors represent King's patients outside the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark. Ascurrent and former patients they share their own experiences of King’s to improve services and patient care.

Christine Klaassen

Formerly a Radiographer by profession, I joined the Q.A.R.A.N.C when I left school in 1956 and commenced my nursing training and later my Radiography training.

After my retirement, I did nearly 3 years as a volunteer for a Charity organization in South Africa. I am still very committed to helping to raise awareness of the problems there and also to raise funds to implement various projects that are ongoing there.

I returned to the UK 5 years ago and am now sequestered here in Greater London and although I am retired, I keep busy, nowadays with King’s College Hospital as a volunteer and member of CoG!

David Sullivan

As an active member of the community of SE London for over 30 years and as a patient, I have been a passionate supporter and advocate for the NHS and for extending the dramatic improvements achieved in recent years. I want to see this continue without challenge to the fundamental principles of a free NHS. As a critical friend and positive advocate of an improving health service, I believe I will make a positive contribution to building on the reputation of Kings as a first class health and academic institution.

Derek Cookson

I have had a life long interest in medical research and would like to be part of the team which has an influence on the hospital’s future I have been an inpatient, which has given me an insight from the patient’s view.

I was a graduate research assistant chemist in the food industry, involved with projects including the development of ‘Splenda’. This was followed by work as librarian and technical information officer at the Tate & Lyle Sugar Refinery.

I am a member of the Rotary Club of Orpington and a committee member of the Sundridge Residents’ Association. My hobbies are photography and genealogy.

Jan Thomas

I was Chair and Governor representative of the Patient and Public Involvement in Health Forum (PPIF) for Kings from 2006 until March 2008, when the Government introduced Local Involvement Networks. As Chair of the PPIF I took part in inspections of the Hospital, including elderly services and became particularly concerned with diets and hospital food, and am now a member of the Nutrition Support Group. With other Governors I looked at hospital cleanliness, infection control and outpatient services and written reports which have led to improvements. I would like the opportunity to continue as an active patient Governor of Kings.

Patti Kachidza

I have worked as a solicitor for nearly twenty years and been a Southwark school governor for more than ten years. The changes being put forward for the NHS have made me think about what I can do to help improve things for both patients and staff. I have personally benefited from medical and maternity care at Kings, and I would now like to use my personal and professional experiences to give something back to the Kings community in a useful and fulfilling way.

Tom Duffy

As both an Inpatient and Outpatient at King’s College, I appreciate that its success is based on a commitment to the highest standards of patient care. I shall strive to do what I can to help maintain this commitment into the future.

I am also committed to seeking improvements in the other features of the patient experience such good transport links, particularly rail. I also believe that the diverse cultural background of patients requires particular attention in order to meet everyone’s needs.

As a senior manager in an international company, I learned that achieving greater customer satisfaction depends on the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff doing the work. I shall try to help management achieve this.

As a qualified accountant with 35 years experience, I shall be looking to contribute my knowledge and expertise to dealing with the funding and financial issues facing King’s College in the coming period.