NHS Kernow’s website closed on 30 June 2022. Visit the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board website for information about our health and care services.
View dates and meeting papers for our Governing Body meetings.
If you have any questions for our Governing Body board members, you can email our corporate governance team.
Dr Cook will provide clinical leadership for NHS Kernow at a critical time in its history, as it moves into the new integrated care system (ICS) by next April, bringing together health and care services to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
Paul is passionate about good mental health. For the past 10 years has been a driving force behind plans to ensure people can access high quality and safe services when needed. Under his leadership, he has embedded our integrated mental health strategy across the health and care system, and made sure people remember the person being supported, rather than organisational boundaries.
He moved to Cornwall in 2001. He’s had a combination of roles over time as a locum, salaried GP for 6 years in north Cornwall and a police surgeon. Paul used to be a gig rower but recently, more of this time is spent with his family.
Accountable officer
Kate became NHS Kernow’s accountable officer on 16 August 2021.
Kate is a mother of 3 and ‘borrows’ 2 others as part of a blended family. She has 2 grandchildren and a grand-dog and enjoys nothing better than lots of noise, lots of laugher and people around the table.
Chief finance officer and senior information risk officer (SIRO)
Simon is a qualified accountant starting out originally in the private sector and over the last 30 years working with the NHS.
Simon has a strong philosophy and belief in people being the key to organisational success and in the core value of the NHS in caring for our population.
He has 2 teenage children who keep him busy and loves to get out on a long bike ride including some across the UK and Europe.
Secondary care doctor member
Matt read medicine at Edinburgh and Oxford completing a PhD in neurophysiology during that time.
In Somerset, Matt has held a number of leadership roles within acute and community trusts. Matt is currently deputy chief medical officer of an alliance of acute, primary care, mental health and community foundation trusts.
Chief nursing officer, NHS Kernow
Natalie has worked in the NHS for more than 30 years, having a background in adult nursing and midwifery.
Throughout her career, Natalie has been a passionate advocate for patient engagement to improve the quality of services. She is committed to supporting people to achieve their highest potential.
Natalie is educated to Master’s degree level. She currently holds a portfolio of responsibilities that includes quality and safety, infection control and safeguarding adults and children.
Deputy chair and governance lay member
Chris spent over 30 years as an officer in the Armed Forces and retired as a Senior Brigadier in 2010.
Chris has embedded himself within the Bude community. He continues to restore his family’s Cornish longhouse, which is an ongoing labour of love. He is a qualified and experienced Canoe England level 2 paddle sports coach.
Married with 3 children, he currently acts as a volunteer coach and mentor to former service personnel.
Patient and public involvement lay member
Nikki has previously worked alongside the public sector to support people with long term conditions both within acute care settings and in their community.
Primary care and prevention lay member
Melissa is a passionate health campaigner. She works relentlessly for the Sepsis Trust, raising awareness of the condition among the public and health professionals to improve early recognition and help.
Fiscal management lay member
John is a qualified accountant, with extensive experience and knowledge in both banking and the NHS.
He was employed as deputy director of finance in Plymouth Health Authority in 1986 and appointed as acting director of resources 2 years’ later. John continued in that role until the NHS trust became established. He then became the first director of finance for Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.
John undertook a 2-year secondment to the Department of Health as project director for the shared business services initiative. He then returned to Plymouth as to support performance and governance. Finally he became finance director, where he helped return the trust to surplus after 3 years’ in deficit.
John retired from the NHS in 2011. His passion and interest has not waned and he has continued to provide advice and support to a number of trusts across the country.
Judy studied medicine at Sheffield University and has been working in Cornwall since 1994.
Judy enjoys sailing, hill-walking, skiing and painting. She is committed to high-quality, safe and accessible healthcare which is responsive to the needs of local communities.
Dr John Garman is a well-known and respected face for people living in and around Helston. John has been a partner at Helston Medical Centre for the past 12 years. He was also the Isles of Scilly lead GP for 5 years.
He said: “I have a passion for person-centred care. My experience on the Isles of Scilly has given me great insight into the complexities of commissioning. It has instilled in me a sense that anything can be achieved, with the right will.
“I’ve seen first-hand how things can develop when people work together. I’m excited about supporting NHS Kernow to achieve its vision.”
Francis attended Leeds University where he studied 2 degrees in medicine and medical physiology.
Francis left the practice in August 2017. He now works in urgent and emergency care as a locum GP. He has a special interest in championing access to health care for the population of the Isles of Scilly, a community he got to know when he was a fisherman. Francis is the Governing Body lead for primary care, urgent care and prescribing.
Dr Deryth Stevens is passionate about making sure people can access the same high quality care, no matter where they live. Dr Stevens is a salaried GP at Tamar Valley Health.
She said: “At north Warwickshire, I feel I have shaped the culture of our CCG to be open, transparent, collegial, and supportive. This is something I’m looking forward to continuing in Cornwall.”
Rob is a GP and a partner at St Agnes surgery and is also our clinical lead for elective care.
Rob also works with the out of hours’ service as an acute GP or a GP sifter at the referral management service.
When he’s not working, Rob can be found either restoring his 1968 Morris Minor or relaxing with his wife and 4 children.
Public health director
Rachel is the public health director for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Rachel started in her role in March 2020.