Chance to govern

Becoming a governor of the Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the way to be heard and next month elections are being held seeking more new governors.

The Trust's members' council watches the decision-making process, making sure local needs are met. The current council has 18 public governors, 14 appointed governors and three staff governors.

To become a governor, people must be 'members' of the NHS Foundation Trust. Nearly 6,000 people have already become members of the Trust, but there are twice as many from Basildon as from Thurrock.

But time is running out. Anyone who registers as a member before February 2 this year is also eligible to stand for election as a governor.

Over the coming weeks members will receive information on the elections, details of how to stand for election as a governor and ballot papers.

Membership is free and open to everyone resident in Essex over the age of 12. Application forms can be obtained by emailing foundation@btuh. nhs.uk, calling 01268 528975 or by completing a membership application form, available at Orsett and Basildon Hospitals.

Anyone who wants to stand for election to the Members' Council, should call 01268 593899 for a nomination form.

This needs to be returned by Wednesday, February 2.

Elections will take place, by postal ballot, between Wednesday, February 23 and Wednesday, March 16. Results will be announced on Friday, March 18. Thurrock councillor David Hooper, Trust Chairman and also Chair of the Members' Council, said: "The governors have real influence and power.

"Over the last nine months, they have appointed two new non-executive directors and a team of external auditors.

"Becoming a public governor gives local people the chance to get involved in important issues that affect them and gives them the opportunity to take part in, and influence discussions on long term strategies for local health services."