New governors wanted to help shape county healthcare services

Do you want to have more of a say in helping to shape local healthcare services?

If so, a role as a Public Governor at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust could be the right challenge for you.

The Trust, which provides mental health, learning disabilities, and community services, has vacancies for two Public Governors in the South West Hampshire constituency, which covers the New Forest, Test Valley, Winchester and Eastleigh.

Being a Governor can be a rewarding role that enables you to be at the heart of the NHS in your community and make a real difference to service users. Existing Governors have played a strong role on Trust developments in recent years, sitting in on interview panels for new Board members, being involved in programmes of work that directly affect frontline services, and attending public events promoting the work of the Trust.

Governors are members of the Council of Governors and provide a vital link between the public and the Trust board that connects the Trust with the ideas, feedback and concerns of local people. Their role is to represent views and ask questions on behalf of people living in the constituencies they represent, to support service users, and to shape how the Trust develops.

David Lee, who has been a Governor for Southern Health for two years, described what motivates him to carry out this role: “With my background as a doctor and a patient, I want the NHS to achieve the best. I am also Chairman of a GP Patient Participation Group and want to encourage and assist with more patient participation work in the Trust.”

Sue Smith, who is in her ninth year as a Governor for the Trust, said: “I became a Governor because I really wanted to help people get the right service. I can signpost them to the best service and help them get the care they need.

“Being a Governor has enabled me to see things from a different perspective, and meet people who share similar passions. We work together and share information, which improves the support for patients.”

Nominations for the Governor elections are open until 5pm on Wednesday, 16 May 2018. After nominations there may be a vote, after which the successful candidates will be announced at the end of June.

For a nominations pack contact Ciara Norris at Electoral Reform Services on 0208 889 9203, or visit www.ersvotes.com/southernhealth2018

Anyone wishing to stand for election or nominate a prospective Governor must be a Member of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. You can become a member here: https://www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/get-involved/membership/become-a-member/