17 April 2024

Become an NHS governor and be your community’s eyes and ears on healthcare

Hospital corridor NSECH.jpg

The call has gone out for Northumberland and North Tyneside residents to get involved with their local NHS and help shape its future.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has vacancies for its Council of Governors, which is a crucial element of being a foundation trust and accountable to local people.

Public governors act as the eyes and ears of the communities the trust serves and help shape the future of services and care for patients.

This year, there are a total of 20 vacancies in the following constituencies:

  • Berwick-upon-Tweed – 4
  • Blyth Valley – 4
  • Hexham – 1
  • Wansbeck – 4
  • North West Tyneside – 1
  • Wallsend – 2
  • North Shields – 1
  • Whitley Bay – 2
  • Rest of England – 1

Nominations are now open and completed forms must be returned by 5pm on Wednesday, May 15.

Northumbria Healthcare’s chairman, Sir Paul Ennals CBE, said: “Health and care is such an important part of our lives and if you are interested in getting more involved in your NHS then becoming a public governor is a perfect opportunity.

“Our governors act as the voice of residents and forge links with the communities we serve, ensuring that people’s views are front and centre of decisions that are made.”

Duties include holding non-executive directors to account for the performance of the board, reviewing the annual accounts and report, and representing the interests of the public in governance meetings, but you can find out more at www.northumbria.nhs.uk/governor-elections

To run for governor, you can apply online at www.cesvotes.com/northumbria2024 or request a nomination form by calling 0208 889 9203.

To be a public governor, you must be a member of Northumbria Healthcare. Simply complete an online application form at www.northumbria.nhs.uk/member

Sir Paul added: “Even if you decide not to run for governor this time round, we would still welcome your participation as a member of the trust. You can sign up quickly online and choose how much or little you want to get involved.

“There is also our Have Your Say forum which allows us to seek views, test ideas and communication material, and actively involve the wider public in our strategy. It’s free to join and you can get involved through discussions, polls and surveys.”

Sign up at https://northumbriacommunity.explainonline.co.uk/login/

Media contact

Ben O’Connell, external communications manager, Northumbria Healthcare

Benjamin.O'Connell@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk or 07833 046680.
 

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