An election for a Council of Governors is being held as part of the Trust's plans to become an NHS Foundation Trust.  Following three public meetings held at the end of January and beginning of February, 138 local people have put themselves forward for election to the 15 Public Governor seats.  Nineteen staff have also entered the election for the six Staff Governor seats on the council.  As a result, all public and staff seats will be contested in a postal ballot and all members who registered by 8 February will be eligible to vote.

David Prior, Chairman of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have received so much interest from local people and staff.  This will give our members an extensive list of candidates to choose from and I'm sure that they will elect a group of Governors who will make a very important contribution to the hospital."

To date, the Trust has recruited 6,300 public members of the Trust and 5,500 staff members who will all receive ballot papers and have the opportunity to vote for the Governors who will represent them.  The Council of Governors will have a stewardship role, influencing the future of services.  It also has statutory powers, such as appointing the Chairman, Non-Executive Directors, and auditors.     

The nomination phase of the election closed at noon on Friday, February 8. On February 28 the confirmed list of candidates will be published and voting papers will be sent out to staff and public members on March 3. The election ends on March 20 with the results announced on March 25. 

Over the next few months, the Trust will be assessed by Monitor, the independent regulator for NHS Foundation Trusts.  It could be authorised as an NHS Foundation Trust in May if Monitor is satisfied that all the criteria for authorisation have been met.  The Trust is still actively recruiting for more members to ensure that local people have a say in local services.  To join, either go online at www.nnuh.nhs.uk or ring 0870 707 1628 for a membership form. 

For further information about Foundation Trusts visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk/page/ft.