Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) has given official ‘notice of elections’ for its Council of Governors.
The Trust, which runs Addenbrooke’s and The Rosie, welcomes governor candidates from all backgrounds and ethnicity, since it wants the council to be truly reflective of the many communities it serves. To stand for election, candidates must be 16 and over and training is provided.
There are opportunities for two patient governors over three year terms, one public governor over a three year term and one staff governor over a three year term.
Dr Neil Stutchbury who was elected a patient governor in 2017 and became lead governor in 2021, said, “This is a terrific way to give something back to your hospitals by representing other patients in ensuring the hospitals are well-led and well-run.
As a governor, you will work with the non-executive directors (NEDs) and the board to assure yourself that the hospitals are doing everything they can to deliver timely and safe care.
Over the last few years governors have influenced the board on a number of issues, including A&E waiting times, eating disorders, patient safety, digital strategy including MyChart, on and off-site transport issues and a range of initiatives that impact staff well-being.”
Governors can decide how much they want to get involved, but as a minimum requirement, they are expected to attend one in three Council of Governor meetings. They are encouraged to participate in other activities such as joining the patient and public involvement panels reviewing medical research projects or the Governor Strategy Group and many more.
For more information about becoming a governor and to access the nomination forms, visit www.cesvotes.com/cuh2022 (opens in a new tab) or contact the Trust Membership Office for further queries. Completed nomination forms must be returned by 5pm on Monday 21 March.
Read more about Neil’s decision to become a patient governor here.