NNUH Trust gives notice of election
The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust today gives notice that it will hold elections to the Council of Governors of the proposed Foundation Trust.
From today public and staff members can obtain nomination forms to stand for election from the Returning Officer on 0208 889 9203. All Nomination papers should be received by the Returning Officer by 12 noon on Friday 8th February 2008.
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 are 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 eight 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 6,100 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.
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 more information please visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk/page/ft