Tributes paid to Val Waterhouse

TRIBUTES have been paid to a "vibrant and innovative" woman who was dedicated to improving the borough's health.

Chairman of North East Lincolnshire's Care Plus Group (CPG), Val Waterhouse, 62, lost her two-year battle with breast cancer on Wednesday.

Her involvement in the local NHS services spanned two decades and, during that time, her reputation as being "motivated" and "tenacious" became well known.

Chief executive of CPG, Lance Gardner, knew her for ten years, and regarded her as a "great friend". He said: "She has been a constant throughout my time in Grimsby and feels to be part of fabric of the community as much as the dock tower is.

"She epitomised what leadership means in a community. She could hold her own with Government Ministers and leaders of industry but equally communicate as an equal with citizens on East Marsh or frontline staff in any organisation.

"She has always been loyal, consistent, highly motivated and most of all, my leader."

Despite being diagnosed just a day before she took on the Care Plus Group's lead role in 2011, she continued throughout her illness to lead her team with the same determination as previous roles – which included driving the Primary Care Trust into the unique Care Trust Plus, of which she was the country's longest serving chair.

Val's innovative leadership in health was also apparent in business as managing director of ICF Grimsby Ltd. She was also chairman of the Local Enterprise Agency and won a National Businesswoman Of The Year Award in 1991.

Dr Peter Melton, of Immingham's Roxton Practice and clinical lead for NHS North East Lincolnshire Clincal Commissioning Group, described his 13 year working relationship with Val as an "enormous privilege".

He said: "Val always demonstrated commitment, energy and enthusiasm which have been infectious. Humility was a trait that Val had in buckets. She never sought recognition and would always attribute the benefits she has realised to others."

Head of services at the CPG, Neil Cartwright, said: "Val was an inspirational woman who, with great passion and tenacity dedicated her time to tirelessly championing the cause of improving the lives of local people."

Chief executive Navigo, the area's mental health services, Kevin Bond, added: "She was an interesting and vibrant person who was always interested in getting the best for local people. It was a pleasure for all of us to work with her and she will be sorely missed by many here."