First elections for the region’s busiest hospital trust
More than 11,000 local people are set to vote in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust’s first election for a Council of Governors. The Council will oversee the way in which the Trust is run and have a say in its future.
People living in Norfolk and Waveney will be eligible to vote in the election provided they are members by 8 February 2008. Becoming a member will also give people the opportunity to stand for election as a Governor.
The election will take place in February and March and is part of the Trust’s plans to become an NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust has successfully passed the first stage of the process with the Department of Health and will now take part in further assessments carried out by Monitor, the independent regulator for Foundation Trusts.
The Trust runs both the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and Cromer Hospital and is the eighth busiest hospital trust out of 169 nationally and the busiest in the East of England.
Chairman David Prior said: “This is an exciting opportunity for local people to get more involved and work with us in deciding the future of our hospitals. We would urge people to become a member straight away so they don’t miss this important chance to vote in the election.”
The Council of Governors will comprise 15 public Governors who will be elected by more than 6,000 local people who have all joined as members of the Trust during the last six months. The Trust’s 5,500 staff members are also eligible to vote for six staff Governors. There will also be four appointed Governors from partner organisations. The election process is being handled by Electoral Reform Services Ltd (ERS) to ensure it is independent and fair.
People who have already joined as members will be sent a pack of information about the elections in mid-January just before the election process begins and nominations for Governor open. Ballot papers will be sent out to members at the end of February and the result of the election will be known by late March.
To join as a new member of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, either go online at www.nnuh.nhs.uk or ring 0870 707 1628 for a membership form.
Membership is free and open to people living in Norfolk or Waveney. Members can join from the age of 12 years, but must be over age 16 to vote in elections or stand for election as a Governor.
For further information about membership, elections or becoming a Governor, visit our Foundation Trust pages.
Notes to editors
The Council of Governors will have a role in shaping the way in which services are developed. It also has statutory powers, such as the appointment of the Chair, Non-Executive Directors and Auditors of the Trust
The Public Governors are drawn from the following constituency areas:
- 3 representatives from Norwich
- 3 representatives from Breckland
- 3 representatives from Broadland
- 2 representatives from North Norfolk
- 2 representative from South Norfolk
- 1 representative from West Norfolk
- 1 representative from Great Yarmouth/Waveney
Election timings:
- 24 Jan – Open nominations
- 8 Feb – Close nominations
- 28 Feb – Notice of Poll
- 29 Feb – Election packs despatched
- 19 Mar – Election closes
- 20 Mar – Results available