BRYAN Thompson has been elected to represent Ilkley on Airedale Hospital’s council of governors for a second term.

He was first elected in 2013 and is delighted to have been voted in again for another three years.

Until recently, Bryan was a major shareholder and chairman of a private ambulance company, operating a fleet of 150 vehicles and employing 200 staff. He now works as a consultant to private ambulance companies and the NHS.

His aim in the next three years is to continue to try to develop more ‘joined-up’ healthcare in Ilkley and to encourage a closer relationship between Ilkley Medical Centre and Airedale Hospital.

Bryan said: "I’m very pleased to be re-elected as the governor for Ilkley, and will do my utmost to try to support patients and to ensure they receive the very best quality of service from Airedale Hospital."

His election coincided with Volunteers Week (June 1-12), which celebrates the 21 million people who give up their time in the UK at least once a year and contribute an estimated £23.9 billion to the economy.

“Our NHS governors give their time voluntarily to help achieve good governance within the trust,” said Airedale NHS Foundation Trust chairman, Michael Luger.

“They bring valuable perspectives and make useful contributions, while actively representing trust members and the public.”