A Goodbye and Hello: Changes in the Down’s Syndrome Scotland Board

Today we celebrate a milestone and share some exciting news about our Board of Trustees who have just had their June Board meeting.

Saying Thank You to Dr Patricia Jackson OBE

After nine years of dedicated service – the maximum term for our board members – we’re bidding farewell to Dr Patricia Jackson OBE. Patricia has been so much more than a board member; she’s been a champion for our community.

Her impact has been felt far beyond the boardroom. From establishing learning disability services for children and young people in NHS Lothian to leading the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group for the UK and Republic of Ireland Patricia has spent her career making life better for people with Down’s syndrome and their families.

But what we’ll remember most is how hands-on Patricia has always been. Even last month she rolled up her sleeves and volunteered with us at the Chelsea Flower Show – showing the same passion and commitment that has defined her nine years with us.

Patricia’s expertise in neuro-developmental paediatrics and her research into improving services for children and young people with Down’s syndrome has helped shape our work and ensure we’re always putting the needs of our community first.

While we’re sad to see her step down we know Patricia will continue championing the rights and potential of people with Down’s syndrome in all her ongoing work. Thank you Patricia for everything.

Welcoming Our New Board Members

We’re delighted to welcome three exceptional new board members who bring fresh perspectives and valuable expertise to help us achieve our goals.

Dr Nitin Gambhir

Nitin joins us as a GP principal in Glasgow and Postgraduate Dean at NHS Education for Scotland. What excites us most about Nitin’s appointment is his particular passion for Equality Diversity and Inclusion – something that sits at the heart of everything we do.

His experience overseeing healthcare training across Scotland means he understands the challenges our community faces in getting quality healthcare. Having been awarded Fellowship by the Royal College of General Practitioners and appointed Honorary Professor by the University of Glasgow Nitin brings both clinical excellence and educational leadership to our board.

When he’s not working to improve healthcare you’ll find Nitin hiking cycling or playing badminton (he’s even the Honorary Medical Officer for Badminton Scotland!).

Dr Nashwa Matta

Nashwa brings 25 years of experience as a neonatologist with a special focus on child development and neurodisability. For the past 20 years she’s been following the development of children born preterm in Glasgow particularly those with complex health needs.

Her work establishing a neurodevelopmental clinic for children with severe congenital heart disease shows exactly the kind of innovative thinking and compassionate care our community needs. Nashwa has even contributed to national guidelines and teaches on infant mental health programmes at the University of Glasgow.

Her deep understanding of how families navigate complex health journeys will be invaluable as we continue to improve health outcomes for people with Down’s syndrome.

Jo Wright

Jo brings a wealth of experience in events marketing and communications from her work with international clients and her 15-year career at Glasgow’s Òran Mór. But what makes Jo’s appointment even more special is that she’s also a mother to a 12-year-old son with Down’s syndrome.

This means Jo understands our work not just professionally but personally. She knows the daily realities the celebrations and the challenges that families in our community face. Combined with her expertise in Corporate Social Responsibility and creating inclusive environments Jo will help us reach even more families and make an even bigger impact.

When she’s not working or volunteering with us Jo loves travelling attending gigs cooking and wild swimming with her family.

Our new board members bring exactly the mix of healthcare expertise professional skills and lived experience we need to tackle the inequalities our community still faces and help every person with Down’s syndrome in Scotland reach their full potential.

Thank you to Patricia for her incredible service and welcome to Nitin Nashwa and Jo. Together we’re going to continue making Scotland a place where every person with Down’s syndrome is valued included and supported to live their best life.