If you have concerns about how we are delivering care and its impact on our patients, and don't feel there's anyone you can tell... well, be reassured, there is!

Local retired GP David Anderson, our non-executive director, is also our new Freedom to Speak Up Guardian. He is just one option colleagues have if  they wish to raise concerns. He can be contacted on either  01484 355933 or 07976 906956.

We asked David to tell us a little more about himself. in the latest of our Hello My Name Is... series.

Hello, my name is David Anderson

I am on the board of the Trust and I'm also CHFT's independent Freedom to Speak Up Guardian. I was brought up and went school in Wakefield. I live in Huddersfield and am married with three children and one grandson. My wife is a retired health visitor but when we first moved here was a staff nurse at HRI. The family have dispersed to different parts of the UK but we seem to be very involved in their lives and that of my mother who has been on a journey with dementia for five years.

I am an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy walking, cycling. I like to make the most of the Pennines being on our doorstep and will miss exploring them with my two Cocker Spaniels, who passed away this year. Since retiring from General Practice, I have been heavily involved in renovating two houses  - my parents' family home in South Lakeland and a  Tudor cottage in Herefordshire.

What is your position?  

Non-executive Director and Freedom to Speak up Guardian. I'm hear to listen to concerns that colleagues may have about patient safety.

How can I raise a concern?

We have lots of ways colleagues can raise their concerns, though if you don't feel comfortable raising issues with your manager or others at CHFT then I'd like to hear from you. All contact will be in total confidence and with anonymity. Call me on 01484 355933 or 07976 906956. You can also read our Freedom to Speak Up (Raising Concerns policy) here - see section eight for information on how to raise a concern.

Summarise your career background

I went to medical school in London before returning to train as a GP in Calderdale. I was a junior hospital doctor for two years in the then CRH. I became a partner in the GP group practice in Fartown in 1983 from which I have just retired after 34 years. I have had various roles in local health service management and for the last six years as Non-Executive Director of CHFT.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

It is hard to single anything out. I am proud to have provided care in Fartown for the last 34 years.

Sum up your role in three words?

Focus on quality

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Strong family traditions meant medicine was always on cards.
 

Who is your hero/heroine and why?

I met Leonard Cheshire once. He was a seriously impressive person - a Victoria Cross holder,  a member of the 617 Dambuster squadron and setting up the Leonard Cheshire foundation, of course.
 

When you are not at work how do you relax?

At present, overseeing building work and gardening
 

What is your favourite place?

The Lake District

What would people be surprised to know about you?

We had the bomb squad out last week. We were clearing out a garage and found two first world war grenades. The bomb squad came from Catterick, took X-rays and confirmed they were safe and took them away.