Final call for new governors for local NHS Trust

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is looking to recruit new governors to help influence the future of its health services and is urging people to apply before applications close on 10 August.

A great opportunity has arisen to become the ‘voice’ of local people as a governor for the York area. There are two vacancies in York for this special role which will help set the direction for the future of health services. There are also vacancies for each of the constituencies of Scarborough, Bridlington, or Ryedale & East Yorkshire.

Governors play a critical role and provide an important link between the trust and the community; helping the trust to gather views from local people and feeding back to them what is happening.

The Council of Governors meets four times a year in public and is chaired by the Chair of the Trust, Susan Symington.  Responsibilities include providing support and advice to ensure that the trust delivers services that best meet the needs of patients and the communities, provides high quality, effective and patient-focused services and ensures high standards of corporate governance and personal conduct.  The position requires some time and commitment, an interest in the NHS and the key issues facing the trust.

The Council of Governors consists of 16 public governors and five staff governors, who have all been elected by the membership of their constituencies.  It also includes nominated representatives from North Yorkshire County Council, University of York and other partnership organisations.

Margaret Jackson, Lead Governor at the Trust, said:  “The role of the governor, which is voluntary, is an opportunity to give patients and carers a voice to inform providers in service planning and review.  The role is key to promoting effective dialogue between the trust and the local communities we serve.”

If you are aged over 16 years old, live within the York area and are a member of the trust, you are eligible to apply for one of the two posts. If you would like to influence your local health services, the trust would be keen to hear from you. Nominations close by noon on Thursday 10 August 2017. They can be submitted by phone, email or text.

Susan Symington, Trust Chair said:  “Anyone can stand for election - all you need is a real interest in the trust and a little spare time to help influence the continued development of our important local services.

“If you are not already a member you can join as a member for free on our website www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/membership or call 01904 725076 to request a membership form.”

The elections, which are run by the Electoral Reform Services, will be a secret postal ballot and voting packs will be sent out to members on Monday 4 September. Members can only vote for governors who represent their constituency. 

Governors are appointed for a three year term, but subject to reappointment at the end of each term, can serve a maximum of nine years.

For more information on becoming a member or governor please email Lynda Provins at lynda.provins@york.nhs.uk

CLICK HERE to find out more or to apply to be a governor 

04 August 2017