Thousands of patients invited to be NNUH members
Forty five thousand patients are to be invited to become members of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust this week.
The Trust, which runs hospitals at Cromer and Norwich, is looking to become a Foundation Trust. The change will give local people a greater say on how their hospitals are run. Membership is free and open to anyone over the age of 12 who lives in the Norfolk and Waveney areas.
Becoming a member will mean that people can:
• Get involved in areas of the Trust that interest them
• Receive regular updates about the work of the Trust
• Receive invites to events for members about health topics
• Vote in elections for Governors and stand for election as a Governor
Foundation Trusts have a Council of Governors which is able to influence how hospital services are provided at a strategic level and shape the future of the Trust. A Board of Directors is responsible for the day-to-day management.
Paul Forden, Chief Executive, says: “People can help us improve our services by applying to become a member and having a more direct say in the future of our hospitals.”
A 12-week public consultation on the Trust’s plans for Foundation Trust status was carried out between April and July 2007. Over 90 per cent of respondents supported the change and the next step is for the application to be considered by the Secretary of State for Health in the autumn.
All the Trust’s services will remain in the National Health Service and subject to NHS standards, and inspection regimes.
Every year the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust treats more than 600,000 patients from across Norfolk, north Suffolk and neighbouring counties. The membership invitation has been sent to a sample of 45,000 patients from the Trust’s database. Patients who do not receive a letter can ring for an application form on 01603 287634. People aged over 16 can also apply online at www.nnuh.nhs.uk.
For further information about Foundation Trusts visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk/Page/FT.