Tara Ferguson Jones

Director of Communications and Engagement

My experience

Following a degree in English with Business Studies from Aberdeen University, I began my career on the M&S Management Scheme, where I trained as a buyer in the men’s clothing department! A stint in the M&S Communications Team made me realise what I was really interested in, and from that I moved to lead a local authority communications team, followed by NHS roles in the communications teams at Imperial, West London Mental Health Trust and the SWL CCG. All of this was achieved whilst bringing up my three children.

I came to work at Kingston Hospital in January 2020, and joined the team at HRCH in the summer of 2021.

Thoughts on the role

Having worked for a large mental health community provider, I’m clear about the challenge which lies ahead for us across the boroughs we serve. I’m really enjoying leading the communications teams at Kingston Hospital and HRCH, and look forward to working with you to do even more to keep you informed and celebrate the amazing work we do in the community, in our UTCs and in the hospital.

Something about me

I come from a family of teachers, so have done something a bit different by choosing to go into NHS comms. I grew up in Belfast in N. Ireland, speak the Irish language and was an okay Irish dancer at a point in time! I now live in Twickenham and spend most of my free time getting my ten-year-old daughter, Isla, to her Irish dance classes, or watching my teenage sons from the side-lines, mainly playing football or golf. Communications is a 24/7 profession, so I have to work hard to ensure I get some much needed down time, either socialising with family and friends or reading a good book.