News – 28 July 2026
Last month we said farewell to Dr Janet Underwood as she stepped down from her role as Chair of the Healthwatch Rutland Advisory Board.
Janet, has stepped down from her role as Chair of the Healthwatch Rutland Advisory Board to spend more time on her other interests.
Her longstanding commitment to improving access to care for people in Rutland has made a meaningful and lasting difference. Janet has been a powerful advocate for rural communities, ensuring that the challenges faced by residents are recognised and addressed within wider health and care discussions. Her leadership and dedication has helped shape improvements in how people receive support across the county.
Janet leaves the board with the gratitude of our staff and volunteers, who have valued her insight and unwavering focus on what matters to local people. While we will miss her in the role of Chair, we are delighted that she will continue to contribute to our work as a volunteer.
We extend our warmest thanks and very best wishes to Janet for the future and look forward to continuing our shared commitment to championing the voices of Rutland residents.
Pictured here presented with flowers by our new Chair, Alan Walters, Janet said:
” Over the last 8 years I have enjoyed serving as Chair of Healthwatch Rutland. During that time, I have helped to research and co-author many reports and have represented the voices of Rutland residents at many health and care meetings. I have now decided that it’s time to step back, enjoy more leisure time and hand over the reins to someone who can bring fresh enthusiasm and ideas”.