Sell-out hospital AGM prompts outside broadcast
An overwhelming response to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's AGM has led to the setting up of an outside broadcast for this year's public meeting.
More than 250 members of the public have said they will be attending the AGM at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital so the hospital has set up a live television link in the East Atrium outside the Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre.
Traditionally the hospital AGM attracts 50 attendees but the move to NHS Foundation Trust status earlier in the year has meant the Trust has been inundated with public members who want to attend the AGM.
David Prior, Chairman of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, says: “We are delighted to see so many people interested in our hospitals. Our membership is one of the largest in Norfolk for any organisation with nearly 17,000 members including our staff. Membership gives Norfolk people a bigger say in how we run our services and helps us to keep in touch with their views. At the AGM, many of our Governors and Directors will be present and happy to answer questions.”
The hospital lecture theatre seats 170 people and, as a result of demand for places at the AGM, additional seating and a live video link are being put in place outside the lecture theatre to accommodate the extra numbers. Given the large response, the Trust is asking people to get in touch if they are planning to attend.
Notes
The AGM is being held on Thursday 25th September and is being held the Benjamin Gooch Lecture Theatre at NNUH. All NHS Foundation Trusts have a Council of Governors which represents the views of patients, public and staff. The Trust’s council will meet quarterly and be involved when decisions are made about the future of health services at both Cromer Hospital and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
The Council of Governors was formed in April 2008 following elections where the Trust’s members and staff were able to vote for the candidates they wanted to represent them on the council.
There are 15 public Governors who each represent a geographical area in Norfolk or Waveney. There are also six staff Governors who each represent a staff group, plus four appointed Governors from local organisations – The University of East Anglia, NHS Norfolk, Norfolk County Council and a representative from the District Councils.
Membership of the Trust is free and open to anyone aged over 12 years’ old living in Norfolk or Waveney. Members can receive the Trust’s newsletter and have the opportunity to get involved in areas that interest them. They can also vote in elections or stand for election as a Governor. To join as a member, either go online at www.nnuh.nhs.uk or ring 0870 707 1628 for a membership form.