Meet our Governors

Dr Jackie Hammerton – Lead Governor

I proudly represent England as a Public Governor and currently serve as the Lead Governor for the Trust.

As a Physiotherapist, I bring 15 years of experience working within the NHS, complemented by 23 years in Higher Education, where I have been dedicated to teaching and shaping the future NHS workforce.

For the past five years, I have had the privilege of serving as a governor. I firmly believe that attracting and investing in our staff is key to enhancing the experience for everyone who uses or visits the Trust. Together, as governors, we can build strong partnerships with the Trust and the communities of Doncaster and Bassetlaw, ensuring our NHS services continue to grow and thrive, delivering the highest standards of care.

Andrew Flynn – Public Governor for Doncaster

I’m currently a Councillor on Stainforth Town Council and have been passionate about volunteering in the community for a number of years.

Election to the Council of Governors of DBTH is an absolute honour and privilege. I am a Company Director and bring a vast range of experience in both business and voluntary sectors. My aim is to do all I can to make a difference for the people of Doncaster in ensuring the Trust provides high quality services which are accessible to all.

I believe as a Governor, it is important to not only support the Trust, but also to be a conduit for feedback from the public, making sure voices are heard.

Deborah Benson – Public Governor for Doncaster

I am excited to serve as Governor and I hope to contribute to improvements in the health of our city.

With experience in change management across both the health service and broader industries, I am passionate about using new technologies to enhance patient care.

My personal journey also fuels my dedication to healthcare. After having a stroke a couple of years ago, I, along with family and friends, founded a support group for stroke survivors and carers in Doncaster.

I am also an active member of Stroke Voices in Research with the Stroke Association, advocating for better stroke recovery support and research.

Dr Mark Bright – Public Governor for Doncaster

I am trained as a researcher (Ph.D. in Management, University of Sheffield, 2011), and spent a period of time teaching, and researching under contract, at the university.

Diagnosed with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis in childhood, I have experienced care provided by DRI as an inpatient and through consultant outpatient appointments for many years.

I’m now in my third term as a Public Governor. In prior terms I served as a governor observer on the People Committee, Children & Families Board, Fred and Ann Green Legacy Advisory Group, and the Trust’s Ethics Advisory Committee. This has helped inform the type and scope of questions and enquiries, in holding Non-Executive Directors to account, and representing members of the Trust and public.

Lynne Logan – Public Governor for Doncaster

I have been an elected Public Governor for Doncaster for the past 7 years, with just under 2 more years to serve before I will have proudly completed my full 9 years of service.

I have been honoured to represent my community and am passionate about ensuring that DBTH continues its journey to giving the highest standards of care to our patients.

As an former Ward Manager and Nurse I saw the difference that listening to our patients and tailoring their individual can make makes to transform their recovery. I am proud to continue to support the Trust in its effort to remain transparent and improve the quality of care. I feel that communication, equality and diversity is part of that journey.

Sheila Walsh – Public Governor for Bassetlaw

I previously worked in the NHS as a technician and also served in the Civil Service. For many years, I was a carer for my disabled parents, which gave me firsthand experience of the healthcare system and its vital role in people’s lives.

I became a governor to give back to the NHS and to advocate for patients, particularly those who may struggle to represent themselves. Ensuring that every patient’s voice is heard is a passion of mine, and I strive to make a meaningful difference in this area.

In addition to my role as governor, I am an active member of the Patient and Public Involvement Group for research at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and also serve as a Parish Councillor.

Crystal Lucas – Public Governor for Bassetlaw

I live in Worksop and am a foster carer and DJ, with over 17 years of experience working in the care system, supporting children and young people with additional needs.

My personal and professional experiences, along with the birth of my own children, have deepened my interest in policies and practices—both nationally and within our region—particularly in how they impact vulnerable individuals.

Since 2015, I have been dedicated to organizing Worksop Pride, the only LGBT+ event in North Nottinghamshire. This work has given me invaluable insights into the importance of inclusivity and the need for greater understanding from professionals in all sectors.

I am a strong advocate for those who struggle to have their voices heard, and I am committed to helping improve the services that support them.

As a Public Governor, I will work hard to challenge, support, and contribute meaningfully to positive change within the Trust.

Mandy Tyrell – Staff Governor (Nursing and Midwifery)

I have proudly served DBTH for over 30 years, dedicating my career to a variety of clinical roles. These have included Orthopaedic Trauma Nurse, Delirium Nurse Specialist, and Frailty Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP).

During my time as an ACP, I earned a prestigious Fellowship in Older Person Care from King’s College London. Currently, I serve as the Lead ACP for Virtual Wards.

Having spent my entire career in clinical roles at DBTH, I bring a wealth of first-hand experience and practical insight, which enables me to provide valuable feedback and suggestions to enhance our services.

My goal is to ensure that staff, teams, and members of the community are well-supported in both delivering and accessing our services. I am committed to fostering transparency and understanding in the decision-making processes that impact those we serve.

Alexis Johnson – Partner Governor

I am the CEO of Doncaster Deaf Trust and have dedicated over 25 years to specialist education and care. Throughout my career, I have worked with children and young people with complex health and care needs, collaborating closely with exceptional therapists and healthcare professionals.

As a passionate advocate for individuals with additional needs and the Deaf community, I am committed to ensuring greater inclusivity within healthcare services. I am particularly interested in supporting DBTH in enhancing accessibility and creating more employment opportunities for those with additional needs or who are Deaf.

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