Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) is seeking people from all backgrounds and ethnicities who have a passion for healthcare and their local communities to stand for election onto its council of governors.
The Trust is accountable to its local communities for the services it provides and has a mission to be kind, caring and excellent in everything it does. Governors play an important role in raising issues on behalf of patients and the public as well as helping contribute to the Trust’s strategy, reviewing its performance, and shaping the future of healthcare locally and regionally.
Lead governor, who was first elected as a patient governor in 2015, said: “If you have a passion for healthcare and your community then becoming a governor for the Trust isn’t just a great way to really make a difference – it’s also an incredibly exciting place to be.
As well as providing acute healthcare services, the Trust is involved in a healthcare revolution. We are driving forward some really big and innovative projects. These include the £1 billion rebuild of “Addenbrooke’s 3” and the creation of a purpose-built children’s hospital for the East of England – currently the only region in the UK without one.
Forming a central part of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the Trust is also at the forefront of the genomics revolution. It is a leading teaching hospital and is also closely affiliated to ground-breaking research carried out at the University of Cambridge.
Having said that you don’t have to be an expert in healthcare to be a great governor – if you feel you would be a good representative of your local community, and if you have time to commit to the role, then we want to hear from you.
Governors are elected from public, patient and staff constituencies. Anyone over the age of 16 can apply to be a governor and training is provided.
Part of the role involves attending quarterly council meetings, where governors learn about the Trust’s performance activities and strategy and where they can challenge the board of directors on topics and issues important to their constituents.
Those with more time can benefit from sitting as governor representatives on various hospital committees, participating in ward inspections or working with the board to help shape the long-term strategy of the Trust.
Julia added: “Many governors see the role as an opportunity to give something back to their local hospitals. Personally I have found it immensely rewarding work and would not hesitate to recommend the role to others. Not only is it an opportunity to get an amazing insight into the work the hospital does, it also provides an opportunity to contribute and really get involved in how healthcare is provided to the local community, both now and in the future.”
For more information about becoming a governor contact the Trust Membership Office on 01223 256256 or visit the Trust website. Completed nomination forms must be returned by noon on Tuesday 7 April.