Get involved with your NHS and help shape its future

A call has gone out for Northumberland and North Tyneside residents to play a key role in the area’s healthcare, at a time when the NHS has never been more central to our lives.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has a number of vacancies for its Council of Governors, which is a crucial element of being a foundation trust and accountable to local people.
Public governors act as the eyes and ears of the communities the Trust serves and help shape the future of services and care for patients.
This year, there are a total of 18 vacancies in the following constituencies: Berwick-upon-Tweed – 4; Blyth Valley – 1; Hexham – 1; Wansbeck – 3; North West Tyneside – 1;Wallsend – 2; North Shields – 2; Whitley Bay – 3; Rest of England – 1. Nomination forms are now available and must be returned no later than 5pm on Tuesday, June 1.
Northumbria Healthcare’s chairman, Alan Richardson, said: “The NHS has well and truly proved its place at the heart of our society during the past year or so and if you are interested in getting more involved in your area then becoming a public governor is a perfect
opportunity.
“We describe the governors as the heartbeat of our local NHS, as they act as the voice of residents and forge links with the communities we serve, ensuring that people’s views are front and centre of decisions that are made.
“This has never been more important as we continue to develop and improve our services and facilities across Northumberland and North Tyneside.”
Duties include holding non-executive directors to account for the performance of the board, reviewing the annual accounts and report, and representing the interests of the public in governance meetings, but you can find out more by calling 0191 203 1296 or emailing
foundation@northumbria.nhs.uk
To run for governor, you can apply online via the Trust’s independent electoral services provider, Civica Election Services (CES) Ltd, at www.cesvotes.com/northumbria2021 where you can also find more information about the process. Alternatively, request a form on 0208
88 99 203 or ftnominations@cesvotes.com
To be in the running to be a public governor, you must be a member of Northumbria Healthcare. Simply complete an online application form at www.northumbria.nhs.uk/get-involved/join-our-our-foundation-trust or call 0191 203 1296.

Pictured: Northumbria Healthcare’s chairman, Alan Richardson