Northumbria Healthcare announces elections for public governors
People across Northumberland and North Tyneside who are passionate about their local NHS are being given the opportunity to become more involved by standing for election as a public governor.
The role of a public governor is to represent the views of local people and help build links between the trust and the many communities it serves. Duties include holding non-executive directors to account for the performance of the board, reviewing the annual accounts/ report and representing the interests of the public in governance meetings.
Positions are available representing: Berwick upon Tweed, Blyth Valley, Hexham, North Shields, North West Tyneside, Wansbeck, Wallsend and Whitley Bay
There is also a ‘Rest of England’ constituency which will allow those who do not live in Northumberland or North Tyneside, but who have an interest in the NHS, to become involved.
The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Thursday 3 May. Nomination forms are available from Electoral Reform Service by calling 0208 889 9203, emailing ftnominationenquiries@electoralreform.co.uk, online, or by texting 2FTNH with your name and address to 88802.
Before applying to become a public governor, you must first become a member of Northumbria Healthcare. Becoming a member is very straightforward and can be done by completing an online application form or by calling 0191 203 1296.
Alan Richardson, chair of Northumbria Healthcare, said: “Our public governors play a hugely important role in our trust. They are the voice of local people and forge links with the many and varied local communities we serve. They help us to shape our priorities and develop local health care services.
“We’d urge anyone with an interest in their local NHS to get involved – you really can make a difference.”
Northumbria Healthcare covers one of the largest geographical areas in the country and provides hospital and community services in North Tyneside and hospital, community and adult social care services in Northumberland. For further information on the role of a public governor and what it involves please see here.
The following public governor vacancies are available:
| Constituency | Public governor vacancies |
| Berwick upon Tweed | 2 |
| Blyth Valley | 1 |
| Hexham | 3 |
| North Shields | 2 |
| North West Tyneside | 3 |
| Wansbeck | 4 |
| Wallsend | 2 |
| Whitley Bay | 3 |
| Rest of England | 1 |
| Total | 21 |
