Stand for election and be part of change in local health and social care

Are you passionate about health and social care and want to make a difference in your local community?

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust's Council of Governors elections open on July 31, and chiefs are looking for dedicated people to stand for election.

This is an important role, ensuring the views of the wider community are considered in providing and developing the Trust’s services. 

It’s your chance to get involved and represent the interests of those you work with and live with.

Professor Eileen Fairhurst MBE, Chairman of the NCA, said: “I would encourage anyone with an interest in health to consider being a governor for their local area, it is a great way to ensure their views are heard and considered in our future plans.

"You’ll get to link up with patients and NHS staff, and your work will make a real difference to their experience of healthcare.”

Governors do not need any special qualifications, just enthusiasm, and a desire to make a difference.

The activities you will get involved in as a governor include:

Representing the interests of members of the Trust and the public - you will play a hugely important role by engaging with our communities to make sure that health and social care services continue to improve for your friends, family and neighbours

Be consulted / contribute to the future plans of the Trust – you will have the opportunity to positively contribute to the future plans of the local health and social care economy and bring about real change

Hold the non-executive directors individually and collectively to account for the performance of the board of directors - governors do not undertake operational management of the Trust; rather they provide appropriate challenge to the board

Appoint or remove the chairman and non-executive directors

Decide on the remuneration of the chairman and non-executive directors

Approve the appointment of the chief executive officer.

Elections are being held for 16 governor vacancies in the following constituencies:

Public seats

Salford - 2 seats

Bury - 3 seats

Oldham - 2 seats

Rochdale - 2 seats

Staff seats

Salford - 2 seats

Bury – 2 seats

Oldham – 2 seats

Rochdale – 1

If this is something you would like to get involved with, pop along to a ‘drop-in’ session - staff would love to meet you and tell you more:

Tuesday 25 July, 2pm – 3.30pm, Main Entrance, Rochdale Infirmary

Friday 28 July, 1.30 – 3pm, Hope Building, Salford Royal (outside M&S)

Tuesday 1 August,1pm – 2.30pm, Main Entrance, Fairfield General Hospital

Friday 4 August, 11am – 12.30pm, Main Entrance, The Royal Oldham Hospital

Alternatively, please visit the Council of Governors page on the website here, or contact the Membership Team by email: membership@nca.nhs.uk, or by calling: 01706 517302.

Please note, you will have to become a Foundation Trust member in order to be a governor.

Membership is made up of patients, families and local residents with an interest in the Trust and the services provided.

It also includes staff and representatives from partner organisations in the local area.

It's free to become a member and how much you choose to take part is up to you.

Find out more, including how to become a member, on the Governors and Members page on the NCA website here

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