Meet your Governor

THE first governor’s surgery in 2010 for foundation trust members takes place on Tuesday 26 January in Daventry.

The surgery will give members of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust an opportunity to meet their Governors and the trust’s executive staff to talk about matters relevant to them and their local health services.

The Board of Governors meets quarterly to discuss and review the trust’s plans for developing and improving services and is largely made up of service-user, carer, staff and public representatives elected by the members.

There are also a number of appointed Governors who represent the trust’s partner organisations, such as Northamptonshire Teaching Primary Care Trust, local authorities, universities and voluntary sector partners.
Governors represent the membership in their constituency and raise issues on their behalf, hold the Board to account for its performance and support the Trust's vision and values.

The ‘surgery’ doors will open at 6pm until 8pm on Tuesday 26 January, in the Saxon Suite at Daventry Leisure Centre, Lodge Road, Daventry, NN11 4FP.

This is the Governors’ first surgery for 2010. A programme of further dates and county venues will be rolled out throughout the year.

It’s not too late to join up and become a member of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Anyone who lives in Northamptonshire and is aged 12 or over can be a member of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. You do not have to be a service-user, and you can also be a member if you work for Northamptonshire Healthcare or for another NHS organisation.

It is free to join and as a member, people can:

• Have a say in the future of their local health services
• Elect people to represent their views on the Board of Governors
• Stand for election to the Board of Governors

Members can decide how much or how little they want to be involved. Some members simply want to receive a membership pack and information about the trust. Others may also want to take part in meetings and events that interest them. Members can also become actively involved, learn about the Board of Governors and even stand for election.

If you would like to know more on becoming a member, contact the Foundation Trust office on 01536 494807 or email: foundationtrust@nht.northants.nhs.uk