Media Release
Date: 28 November 2013
It's your hospital - it's important you have your say
The Royal United Hospital is looking for more members to sign up to support us to become an NHS Foundation Trust.
Until 31 December all new members who sign up will be entered into a prize draw and could receive a £50 Marks and Spencer's voucher.
NHS Foundation Trusts are individual organisations which are still an integral part of the NHS, but are based on the concept of mutual organisations and have Governors (elected members) who are accountable to the membership. They have members who are representative off local communities and staff.
More than 6,300 members of the public have signed up to show their support for the RUH but we want to make sure our membership is as representative as possible of our local communities so would like more people to join.
Membership and Governance Manager Roxy Poultney said: "Membership is completely free and enables you to have a say in the development of the RUH and the services we proved for the benefit of the local community and our patients. You can get as involved as you want to be - most of our members opt to 'Keep in touch' which means that you will receive our quarterly magazine, 'insight', whereas others opt to take more of an active role and take part in surveys or focus groups and attend events that we may hold.
"Members get exclusive online access to Health Service Discounts, a website which offers discounts at hundreds of high-street stores and supermarkets as well as on family days out and holidays, and it's a great way of showing your continued support for the RUH.
"We hope as many people as possible will sign up to support us and help us to be the best we can be."
New members can sign up online at www.ruh.nhs.uk/foundationtrust or you can call us on 01225 826288 and we will send you some membership forms.