Rob Flacks has recently volunteered to become a Cranleigh Hospital League of Friends trustee. Find out more about what inspired him to join the team.
What made you decide to become a trustee for Cranleigh Hospital League of Friends?
I had my arm twisted by fellow trustee Steve! Until recently, I was a trustee for Cranleigh Lions but stepped aside to allow for some fresh blood. Steve saw the opportunity and encouraged me to join the Friends. It’s hard to say no to someone with such enthusiasm!
What’s involved in being a trustee?
From my perspective, it’s about bringing relevant experience to the table. I used to be a GP in the Midlands and led a project to rebuild our surgery. We built bigger than we needed, which allowed us to add services like dermatology and cardiology and ear, nose and throat (ENT). Cranleigh is following a similar model, and I’m happy to offer my insight.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Cranleigh?
I lived and worked in the Midlands until we discovered that HS2 plans would mean a track would eventually run just 400 yards from our house. With three sons living around London, we decided to move south and found Cranleigh quite by chance. We moved here eight years ago and haven’t looked back.
What do you hope to bring to the team?
I hope to contribute my experience in expanding and delivering community-based healthcare. I bring an understanding of what’s possible and will help where I can.
Have you done any volunteering before?
I am still heavily involved with Cranleigh Lions and before moving to Cranleigh, I was a member of Sutton Coldfield Rotary Club for many years. I have also volunteered for professional roles such as being the Diabetic Lead for our practice and lead partner for both staffing issues and the rebuilding of our practice premises.
What are you most looking forward to as a trustee?
Contributing when and where I can, and helping improve access to local healthcare services.
How can the League of Friends make a difference?
By expanding local services to prevent people from needing to travel to the Royal Surrey, and doing so in an efficient and professional way.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Golf, tennis and swimming keep me active. I also love visiting London for shows and the arts, and I’m a grandfather to three – which keeps me on my toes!
Any hopes or ideas for the charity over the next few years?
It’s early days, but I’m keen to muck in and do what I can to support the growth of local healthcare services.
