Norfolk's largest hospital Trust seeks new members

New members are being sought by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The Trust, which runs hospitals at Cromer and Norwich, has sent letters to thousands of local patients giving them the opportunity to get more involved in their local hospitals. 

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 (members aged over 16)

Over 10,600 local people have joined the Trust as public members since July 2007 and the aim is to boost this number to 15,000 by December 2009.  The Trust also has 6,000 staff members. 

David Prior, Chairman of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, says:  “This is an opportunity for local people to help us improve our services by applying to become a member and having a more direct say in the future of our hospitals.” 

In March 2008, the members elected a Council of Governors to represent their interests and the council has met every quarter.  More recently, the council approved the appointment of the Trust’s new chief executive when it met in December.   

During the last year, members have also had a say in changes to hospital visiting times, given their views on the NHS constitution, been invited to events at the hospital on infection control and pathology and over 300 members attended the Trust’s Annual General Meeting in September 2008.   

Anyone who wishes to join the membership can ring for an application form on 0870 707 1628 or apply online at www.nnuh.nhs.uk

For further information about Foundation Trusts visit www.nnuh.nhs.uk/Page/FT