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York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Membership newsletter

June 2021

MembershipMatters

The search is on for new governors of our Trust

We are looking to recruit new governors to help influence the future of its health services.

 

A great opportunity has arisen to become the ‘voice’ of local people in the City of York, Ryedale and East Yorkshire, the East Coast of Yorkshire.  For the first time this year the Trust is also looking for an Out of Area representative. 

 

The York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Council of Governors meet four times a year in public, chaired by the Chair of the Trust, Susan Symington.  Responsibilities include providing support and advice to ensure that the Trust delivers services that best meet the needs of patients and the communities and provides high quality, effective and patient-focused services.

 

The Council of Governors consists of 16 public governors and five staff governors, who have all been elected by the membership of their constituencies.  It also includes nominated representatives from North Yorkshire County Council, University of York and other partnership organisations including the third sector.

What does the role of a governor involve?

Susan Symington, Chair, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Governors have two very important roles - the first to provide an important link between the Trust and the community, helping the Trust to gather views from local people and feeding back to them what is happening, and the second is to appoint the Non-Executive Directors to the board and to maintain an overview of their contribution to the effective leadership of the Trust.

 

“The position requires some time and commitment, a passion for the NHS and the key issues facing our Trust.”

 

Margaret Jackson, Lead Governor at the Trust, said:  “The role of the governor, which is voluntary, is an opportunity to give patients and carers a voice to inform providers in service planning and review. Governors have a role to play in promoting effective dialogue between the Trust and the local communities we serve.”


 

Who can become a governor?

If you are aged over 16 years old, live within the constituencies of the City of York, Ryedale and East Yorkshire, the East Coast of Yorkshire, or Out of Area are a member of the Trust, you are eligible to apply for one of the eight vacant posts. If you would like to influence and contribute to your local health services, the Trust would be keen to hear from you.

 

Anyone can stand for election - all you need is a real interest in the Trust and a little spare time to help influence the continued development of our important local services.  If you are not already a member of the Trust you can join for free at www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/get-involved/membership/ or call 01904 721925 to request a membership form.


 

How can I apply to become a governor?

New governors are appointed by election and anyone interested can apply from Monday 12 July 2021.

 

A nomination form can be obtained from the Returning Officer, Ciara Hutchinson, by calling 0208 365 8909 or emailing [email protected]   

 

Nominations close 5pm on Monday 9 August 2021.

 

The elections, which are run by the Civica Election Services, will be a secret postal ballot and voting packs will be sent out to members on Wednesday 1 September. Members can only vote for governors who represent their constituency. 

 

Governors are appointed for a three year term but, subject to reappointment at the end of each term, can serve a maximum of nine years.

 

For more information about becoming a member or governor please contact Tracy Astley by emailing: [email protected]

Star award finalists

All our staff and volunteers deserve recognition - but there are many that go above and beyond the call of duty to make the Trust a better service - with hard work, exciting new ideas and simply by putting patients first.

Read Star Award finalist stories on our website about how they made a difference in our Trust.


Visiting

We are pleased to confirm that some of our visiting restrictions have been eased.


NHS 111

If you have an urgent health concern, then think 111 first. NHS 111 will direct you to the most appropriate service to use.


Covid-19 self testing

Everyone can now get a free rapid Covid-19 test.  They show results in 30 minutes.  Find out more about Covid-19 testing at http://nhs.uk/GetTested.


Benefits of being a member

 

We hope you are enjoying being a member of the Trust and enjoying the benefits this brings, including receiving the members newsletter 'Membership Matters'; updates and invitations to get involved in events; receiving exclusive NHS discounts; attendance at 'Members Only' events and opportunities to stand as a governor for your local area.


Ask your family and friends if they are interested in becoming a member and direct them to our website to join.

www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/get-involved/membership/