People keen to stand as hospital governors (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

People keen to stand as hospital governors

11:30pm Sunday 5th July 2009

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A HUNDRED people may stand for election to sit on a council of governors to represent the best interests of hospital patients.

Hospital bosses have now held six meetings across Worcestershire to generate interest in the position of governors.

The public governors are elected by shadow members of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust ahead of it becoming a foundation which is scheduled to happen in October.

Hospital leaders are keen for new members to join so the people of Worcestershire have more of a stake in what happens at the county’s three hospitals – Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester, Kidderminster Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

There are already 5,577 members with more people joining all the time – it is these members that form the electorate.

Trust chairman Michael O’Riordan said: “It is encouraging to have so much interest from members with a desire to stand for election to the council of governors.

“It has reassured us that we do have a significant proportion of members that wish to be active in supporting our bid to become a foundation trust.

“Becoming a foundation trust means that local people can become more involved in shaping the future of the local acute hospital services.”

The council of governors will include public governors who will be drawn from and elected by the public membership, staff governors who will be elected by their colleagues, and appointed governors who will represent the trust’s partner organisations.

The public governors will always be in the majority – 15 out of a possible 27.

The FT application has now been submitted to the Secretary of State for Health.

Elections to the council of governors will go ahead following approval from the Secretary of State, which is expected to be given towards the end of July.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a member or want to stand for election contact the Foundation Trust Membership office by e-mail at ftmembershipoffice@worcsacute.nhs. uk or on freephone 0800 783 0335.

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