AN appeal has gone out this week for people to have a say in the future of their local hospital.The James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be holding an event on Monday, February 23, at 6pm, in the boardroom at the hospital for those interested in becoming a governor of the Trust, and sitting on the governors' council.

AN appeal has gone out this week for people to have a say in the future of their local hospital.

The James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be holding an event on Monday, February 23, at 6pm, in the boardroom at the hospital for those interested in becoming a governor of the Trust, and sitting on the governors' council.

John Hemming, Trust Chairman said: 'We will soon be recruiting new members to our governors' council. We're very keen to get as many local people along to this event as possible. They will have the opportunity to find out what being a hospital governor means, and what a real difference their contribution can make. And of course there will be lots of opportunity for questions. Nominations for our governor elections start at the end of April.'

In Foundation Trusts, governors represent the interests and views of members and work with the board of directors to drive forward developments. They express their views to the board on strategic issues, and are responsible for the appointment of the Trust's non executive directors, including the chairman, and decisions on their remuneration. They have a very important role as ambassadors of the Trust and linking with the Trust's board of directors.

Mr Hemming added: 'Being a governor makes a real difference to the way we run our hospital services, and how we respond to the needs of our patients and members. We are keen to ensure our governors are as representative as possible of the wider local community that this hospital serves, so I'd encourage people to come along to find out more.'

For more details, or to attend, call Ann Filby, foundation and communications manager on 01493 452162.