Ref. 28546-27The new chairwoman of Swindon's Primary Care Trust is promising to adopt a hands-on approach to improving health care in the town.

Retired solicitor and active voluntary worker Michelle Howard, 37, has a wealth of experience in various health fields, which she says will be helpful in her new role.

Michelle, who was left paralysed from the chest down at the age of 16 following routine surgery at Poole Hospital to realign some teeth, said: "As a tetraplegic (a person paralysed in all four limbs) I have been a user of community health services for some 20 years.

"I am passionate about these often underrated services and am thrilled to be offered this opportunity to help shape the health services for the people of Swindon and Shrivenham.

"One of my driving influences to get involved with the NHS is that I feel I have gained some expertise from using the services."

She says sees herself as the Swindon people's representative on the PCT.

Michelle, of Moredon, is no stranger to the workings of the PCT, having been a non-executive director since it was formed in April 2002.

She turned to voluntary work in a bid to take life a little more easily after become exhausted by her job as a solicitor.

She has also been a non-executive director of both Wiltshire and Swindon Health Care Trust and the East Wilts NHS Trust.

Her CV also lists a range of voluntary work from the Swindon Users' Network to being a Brownie Guider for a team of seven to ten-year-olds at the Pilgrim Centre.

And she still finds time to be a national trustee of the Spinal In-juries Association and a governor at Wanborough Primary School.

Her background and experience clearly impressed the NHS Appointments Commission, who chose her for the role.

In her new post, which will run for four years, she will be paid £18,608 a year.

She has no political involvements or activities.

Michelle added: "I am very much looking forward to visiting local groups and events.

"I want to encourage people to ask me along, whether they want me to give a talk, or offer advice.

"I really want this role to be very much a hands-on type job."

"The NHS is more open nowadays, particularly concerning how they handle complaints.

"Services such as Patient Advice and Liaison Service have opened it up so people have more access."

Jan Stubbings, the chief executive of Swindon PCT, is delighted with Michelle's appointment.

She said: "Michelle has a wealth of experience and we are very fortunate to have her at the helm. I look forward to her wise counsel."

The PCT will shortly be advertising for a non executive director to sit on the board.

It is an unpaid role and for more information on it or the work of the the PCT call 01793 708700, visit www.swindonpct.nhs.uk or write to Swindon Primary Care Trust, North Swindon District Centre, Thamesdown Drive, Swindon, SN25 4AN.

Alex Emery