Meryl Rushmere – Public Governor, Norfolk

Term of office started 1 February 2025

I am a retired nurse. Since 1974, I worked across the NHS and private sector, caring for children and adults in various settings. These include: the Royal Bethlem and Maudsley, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queens Square, and St Christopher's Hospice, with Dame Cecily Saunders and Dr Colin Murray Parkes. I moved to Norfolk in 1985. My most recent role was managing a multi-disciplinary team in Brain Injury Rehabilitation. I joined the Associate Hospital Managers in 2014 and became a chairperson in 2023. 

I am married with two children and five grandsons. We all live in North Norfolk. I endeavour to bring kindness and empathy into my role. I strongly believe that we should always listen to each other - everyone has their own story. A holistic approach to medicine is something I feel very passionate about. My approach to life is open-minded and non-judgmental. I practise yoga and meditation to support my own wellbeing. I am very interested in the idea of reading poetry aloud as therapy.