Hospital bosses' invitation for prospective governors

East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Conquest and Eastbourne DGH, is hosting the event for prospective governors who want to become part of a new Foundation Trust, which is more answerable to the public.

The workshop is being held on March 5 at 2pm in the St Mary's Board Room at Eastbourne DGH.

Those wishing to attend should contact Jo Lawton, Membership Manager, at the Foundation Trust Membership Office on 0845 2233099.

The trust held a series of governor workshops in late November and early December, with more than 200 people attending. Attendance at a workshop is a prerequisite to be able to go forward to stand for election as a governor.

Governors are elected by the members of the Foundation Trust to sit on the Council of Governors.

They will advise the Board of Directors on future service plans and ensure the directors is kept informed of the views of the public, patient and staff members and of the partner organisations.

They are also responsible for appointing the chairman and non-executive directors and approving the appointment of the chief executive for all future appointments.

The hospital trust plans to submit its application for Foundation Trust status to the Strategic Health Authority in May. The application will then go to the Secretary of State.

The next stage of the application process will be a three-month assessment by Monitor, the independent regulator of Foundation Trusts.

If the trust passes all these assessments it is anticipated that Foundation Trust status will be granted in September this year.

Judith Clabby, the trust's director of corporate affairs and marketing, said: "We are keen to encourage more local people to show their interest in the way their hospitals are run in the future by coming forward to be a governor.

"The workshops will give people a clearer understanding of the role of a governor and what is expected of them.

"Alternatively, you could join up as a public member ensuring that our membership truly represents the diversity of people living throughout East Sussex.

"As an NHS Foundation Trust we will be much more accountable to the people to whom we provide hospital services.

"I would urge people over the age of 14 living in East Sussex to join us as a member and demonstrate their commitment to the local NHS services we provide in East Sussex."

Membership is free and people can choose how they wish to be involved.

Members will be kept up-to-date with news on developments at East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, be consulted on future plans for services, and have the opportunity to stand for, and vote in, the election of the public/patient governors onto the new Council of Governors.

You can become a member of your NHS Foundation Trust by filling in one of the membership forms available at the hospitals, completing the online membership form at www.esht.nhs.uk/ft, emailing [email protected] or phoning Jo Lawton at the Membership office on 0845 2233099 at any time.