Meet our new Chair

We’re excited to welcome a new Chair of our Board of Directors here at Care Opinion — Catherine Labinjoh! 

 

Catherine joins us at a time of exciting change and continued growth, bringing with her a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, and a strong commitment to listening and learning from people’s stories. 

 

But rather than just tell you about her, we thought you’d like to hear directly from her. So, we sat down with Catherine for a quick chat to learn a bit more about who she is, what brought her to Care Opinion, and what she’s most looking forward to in her new role. 

 

Let’s start with the big one — what drew you to Care Opinion and the role of Chair? 

The big draw was the people. The enthusiasm of the Care Opinion team is infectious! I jumped at the chance to be Chair and contribute to the Care Opinion mission. I knew I’d learn a lot and have fun along the way – so far, so good. 

 

Can you tell us a little about your background and the journey that brought you here? 

About 15 years ago, I began to understand the benefit of shaping our health and care systems around the people we care for — too often, they’re designed around the motives and convenience of the care provider. As a heart doctor, I needed to discover what truly mattered to the people I cared for, and their loved ones. I learned a lot as a Scottish Quality and Safety Fellow, but I’ve learned even more from listening to the people I’ve encountered in my working life: patients, co-workers, and members of the public. Stories began to emerge as something incredibly important in understanding the experience of care, improving it, and reconnecting carers to their purpose. 

 

What does “listening to people’s stories” mean to you personally? 

In my day-to-day work, listening to patients’ stories — rather than simply eliciting facts for a diagnosis — gives me a deeper understanding of what matters to people and a much better chance of supporting their health and well-being. And it turns out, it’s more fun to practice medicine that way. 

In the past, I’ve been a Care Opinion responder and have heard many lovely stories — and some difficult ones too. Each and every one made an impact. And, of course, I’ve also been a Care Opinion storyteller. It meant a lot to be able to share my story, and even more to feel acknowledged and heard. 

 

What excites you most about joining Care Opinion at this moment? 

It’s been really exciting to see work develop with our international partners, most recently in Canada. Closer to home, the NHS is facing significant challenges, and it’s more important than ever to hear from people about their experiences of care. We have a real opportunity to build meaningful relationships between those who provide care and those who receive it — something that benefits both, and strengthens our services too. It’s exciting to be part of that. 

 

What do you think makes a strong board, and how do you see your role as Chair? 

The best boards are diverse, bringing together expertise and passion in equal measure, and encourage good questions. Luckily for me, the Care Opinion board is very strong. As Chair, I simply try to channel all the great qualities on display in the “boardroom” toward the Care Opinion mission — helping people share their experiences of health and care in ways that are safe, simple, and lead to learning and change. (And I try to ensure the meetings run on time!) 

 

What are some of the challenges you think the health and care system is facing — and how can listening help? 

With the best of intentions, healthcare has become more industrialised. We focus on efficiency, effectiveness, quality, safety — all of which are important, but not enough.  When health and care are more personalised, when we nurture a culture that embraces what matters most to the people we care for, we’re more likely to deliver care that truly makes a difference. 

 

As National Clinical Advisor for Realistic Medicine, I work with the Chief Medical Officer’s policy team to promote Realistic Medicine and Value-Based Health and Care. The focus is on personalised care, supporting professionals and systems to provide the care that people want, and ensuring we use our energy and precious resources wisely. Listening lies at the heart of this. Understanding people’s experiences helps us improve care for everyone — and makes the act of providing care more rewarding. 

 

Is there a particular value or principle you hold close in your work? 

Authenticity is really important to me (among many other things!). 

 

When you’re not chairing boards or changing the world, how do you like to spend your time? 

I enjoy so many things but I’m a big fan of walking — short local walks, big mountain adventures, and everything in between. Our dog Martha ensures this is one hobby I practice daily. 

 

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? 

I’m an armchair darts fan! The World Championships take place over Christmas and New Year, and my dream is to make a festive trip to the Ally Pally in London sometime soon — in the obligatory fancy dress, of course… 

 

And finally — what’s your message to the Care Opinion community of storytellers, readers, staff, and partners? 

Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

 

We’re so pleased to have Catherine joining us as Chair, and we’re looking forward to the insight, energy and care she’llbring to the role. At Care Opinion, we know that good things happen when we truly listen — and with Catherine helping to guide and support our work, we feel even more confident about the road ahead. 

Welcome to the team, Catherine!