Close up with Board member Helen Eggleton

Niagara Health System Board Member Helen Eggleton

The Niagara Health System Board of Trustees is made up of volunteers who live and work in Niagara. Each Board member brings unique skills and expertise to this leadership role. The Board is responsible for governing the NHS and providing strategic direction to the Hospital to ensure it meets the healthcare needs of the community within the resources that are available.

Niagara Health Now is publishing a series of question-and-answer profiles on individual members of the Board to help our readers get better acquainted with them.

This issue’s profile is of Helen Eggleton.

Where were you born?

Bailieboro, on the north shore of Rice Lake, south of Peterborough

Number of years living in Niagara:

51 years

Occupation:

Retired kindergarten teacher

What were the greatest rewards from your job?

Starting young minds off on the right road to education.

What influenced you to become a member of the NHS Board of Trustees?

Active in the hospital auxiliary at the Douglas Memorial Site for many years; becoming auxiliary representative on the Board gave me a new look at healthcare.

How many years have you served on the NHS Board?

Two

What is your greatest achievement or reward as a member of the Board?

Being part of a hard-working group of people who strive to oversee a complete healthcare system that accommodates a large geographic area.

What is the greatest opportunity for the NHS?

Developing centres such as stroke, heart and cancer; providing quality healthcare within our own area.

What is its greatest challenge?

Communicating a message of unity, working together, sharing healthcare services for the good of all across a large geographic area.

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?

I’m a Taurus. I don’t give up or give in when faced with a challenge. «