Media Release
Date: 2 August 2022
Wanted - a magnificent seven public governors for the RUH
The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust is looking for seven public governors to help shape its services and plans for the future - and nominations are now open.
RUH Chair Alison Ryan and Public Governor Peter McCowen
There are vacancies across the City of Bath, Mendip, South Wiltshire, North Wiltshire, North East Somerset and the Rest of England and Wales constituencies, where current governors have come to the end of their terms.
A public governor helps to ensure that the Trust delivers services that meet the needs of patients, carers, staff and local stakeholders. Governors do this by creating stronger links with the communities that the RUH serves by reflecting patient and public views and interests.
The core time commitment for public governors is four Council of Governor meetings per year, plus the Annual Members' Meeting but there are many other activities you can get involved in. Governors receive full training for their role.
This autumn, the Trust will be launching its new vision and goals for the RUH, which will shape our future, so this is an exciting time to join our Council of Governors as we set our ambitions, offering direction, hope and energy for everyone we work with and for, alongside the massive challenges faced by the NHS.
Why consider becoming a public governor? Here are just a few reasons from some of our current public governors:
Suzanne Harris, Public Governor for North East Somerset, said: "We all love and appreciate our NHS and we all know such a large and complex organisation presents lots of challenges. Getting involved with the RUH brings the big picture down to a local, relevant level. It is fascinating to see how things operate in detail, and it is good to know we can all make a difference.
"If you care about the future of the NHS and if you ever use your local hospital, do get involved. You'll find it interesting, inspiring and worthwhile."
Peter McCowen, Public Governor for North Wiltshire and Deputy Lead Governor, said: "I wanted to show my gratitude for the many years of support offered by the NHS to me and my family. As public governors we provide a direct link to the management of the hospital and also keep our constituents informed about the hospital and developments within the health service."
Trust Chair Alison Ryan said: "Governors help the hospital's Board to stay focussed on the things that really matter. They are an invaluable part of our management."
Nominations open today, Tuesday 2 August, and will close at 5pm on Wednesday 31 August.
You need to be a Member of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust to be eligible to stand in the elections. No formal qualifications are required, just enthusiasm, a willingness to ask questions, be open to ideas, and a desire to make a difference by getting involved in your local hospital. To become a member, join here www.ruh.nhs.uk/membership
Contact the Membership Office on 01225 821262 or via email at RUHmembership@nhs.net to join us at one of our information sessions or to request a Governor Guide. Information sessions will be held online using Microsoft Teams on:
- Wednesday 17 August, 4pm – 5pm
- Tuesday 23 August, 12noon – 1pm
How to request a nomination form:
From 2 August you will be able to complete a nomination form online at www.cesvotes.com/ruh2022 or request a nomination form directly from Civica Election Services via the details below:
- Tel: 0208 889 9203, 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday
- Email: ftnominationenquiries@cesvotes.com
- Web: www.cesvotes.com/ruh2022
- Post: Civica Election Services, 33 Clarendon Road, London, N8 0NW
Voting opens on Thursday 22 September and will run until 5pm on Monday 17 October.
The results will be announced on Tuesday 18 October 2022.
ENDS