Committee members

Chair, Jane Varker

I was employed by the NHS for over 33 years as a biomedical scientist, including 21 years at West Cornwall Hospital. I find working and campaigning with West Cornwall HealthWatch, trying to maintain and improve local health services very fulfilling.

Vice Chair, Jan Williams

I worked in the NHS as a physiotherapist for 40+ years, mostly within Cornwall. I joined West Cornwall HealthWatch about 12 years ago because I strongly believe in the principle of universal health care, free at the point of need and feel that it must be actively safeguarded. I also believe it is crucial that we have a collective voice regarding the provision of services locally, that is independent both politically and financially, enabling us to challenge any decisions made that result in the downgrading or removal of services within Penwith.

Secretary, Marna Blundy

Married in 1975, resident in Botallack since 1979, mother of five sons, grandma to fifteen grandchildren, musician, retired teacher, member of Pendeen Church, previously a town councillor and a Mayor of St Just, and a campaigner for the NHS in the 1990s even before we set up West Cornwall HealthWatch in 1997.

Lesley Brooke

I’m a retired Physiotherapist living in Newlyn.

I worked in the NHS both in Cornwall and London.

Kath Maguire

I spent 20 years as the carer of a child with life limiting illness before pursuing a doctorate in Medical Studies. I worked with the National Institute for Health Research to support public and patient involvement in medical and public health research. 

Peter Levin

I started my working life as a physicist, gaining a PhD at Imperial College London for my study of the oxidation of magnesium. My work took me to Harlow new town, where I became interested in the planning of new towns, and subsequently moved across to the social sciences, doing research into town planning and then teaching social policy at the London School of Economics, which I did for 25 years. 

In Harlow I helped to start one of the first local consumer groups in the UK, and back in London my consumer research projects included an investigation into the disconnection practices of the London Electricity Board. I am the author of Making Social Policy: The Mechanisms of Government and Politics and How to Investigate Them (1997). I came to live in Penzance in 2005, and am looking forward to being regarded as a 'transplant' rather than an 'incomer'.

John Forsyth

I am a retired professional town planner and development consultant, who has worked for many years on regeneration projects in London and across the South-West. I have lived in Cornwall for nearly 30 years and in Penzance for nearly 10. I have a particular interest in local, community-based issues.

• “Serena Skerratt, has recently retired from a 40 year career in Nursing. She has wide experience in the field of Gastroenterology. She is recognized as a leader in artificial nutrition nursing and has substantial experience in both enteral and parenteral nutrition settings, working at the interface of acute care and community services to ensure that patients received safe, individualized nutritional support beyond hospital walls. She has contributed to published papers and a book as well as developing protocols and guidelines that enhanced tube-feeding and catheter care, reduced complications and improved patient’s quality of life. Serena is deeply committed to education: she mentored nurses, led training programs, and worked with multidisciplinary teams to ensure best practice was applied consistently. Her leadership lay in balancing technical skill, system improvement, and real patient-centred care.”

Josette Fuller is an elected St Ives Town Councillor and community advocate, committed to making sure the voices of West Cornwall residents are genuinely heard in decisions about local health services.

Drawing on her own lived experience, she is a strong voice for equality, accessibility and patient rights, with a particular focus on those who often feel overlooked or unheard.

Josette is also a neurodivergent advocate and a passionate supporter of grassroots community action and creative engagement, using both her public role and creative work to connect and empower people.