NORTH Hampshire Hospital at Basingstoke has embarked on the next stage in its bid to secure foundation trust status. And time is now critical for anyone wanting to play a key role in seeing this happen. As such, the North Hampshire Hospital NHS Trust is urging local people, interested in having more of a say in how the hospital is run in the future, to become a member of the proposed foundation trust and, more immediately, to stand for election onto the council of governors. Having received the support last month of health secretary Patricia Hewitt in its bid for foundation trust status, the hospital has now given formal notice of election to the council of governors of the proposed Basingstoke and North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust, prior to its establishment on or after December 1 - a process which will be subject to approval by the independent regulator, MONITOR. Elections are to be held in October to appoint 14 members of the public - three of them from Alton, Bordon and East Hampshire - and four staff members, to include one member representing the medical practitioners, nursing, midwifery and other clinical staff, one representing the technical staff and professions allied to medicine, one on behalf of administration, clerical and managerial colleagues, and one representing the support services. Nominees have to be signed-up members of the foundation trust who can put themselves forward to sit on the council of governors. Nomination packs, with information about how to stand for election to these positions, are available from the returning officer, Sian Drinkwater, of London-based Electoral Reform Services Ltd on 020 8889 9203. Nominations, together with a personal statement, have to be received by 12 noon on Wednesday, September 13. Faxed or e-mailed nominations will not be accepted. Ballot papers will be distributed to qualifying members of the proposed foundation trust on Tuesday, October 3, and completed papers have to be in the hands of the independent scrutineer by 12 noon on Thursday, October 17. The result will be announced at the trust's officers on Friday, October 20. Although still part of the NHS and committed to achieving the NHS targets and working in partnership, being a foundation trust will mean North Hampshire hospital will be free from government control, allowing decisions to be taken locally. This will enable the trust to work more closely with the local community to develop services that are more responsive to the needs of local patients. Local people, patients and NHS staff are all eligible to become members of the NHS foundation trust, and deputy chief executive Donna Green, is keen to attract as many as possible on board. "There are many benefits for patients in us becoming a foundation trust," she said. "We will be much more accountable to the local community through our members. Being a member allows people to become more informed and involved. However, being a member does not mean a lot of hard work - you may simply wish to receive information and pass comments on through your local governor as and when it is important to you. "Members can stand for election to become a governor on the trusts' council of governors and have even more influence. If you haven't had time to complete a membership form its not too late." Membership is free and the message is that even if you don't want to sit on the council of governors it will give you the opportunity to vote for and influence someone who does. For further information on membership or for a form contact the Foundation Trust office on 01256 313601 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] Alternatively pick up a form on your next visit to the hospital.
