More than 4,500 people have now signed up to become members of Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and are helping to shape the development of health care in the area.
As part of its journey to become a foundation trust this year the Trust, which runs East Surrey Hospital, is now well on its way to reaching its target of 5,500 public and patient members.
Chief Executive Michael Wilson said: “I am delighted so many people have signed up and are sharing their views at focus groups and events. We are always keen to have more members and I would encourage anyone interested in working with us to develop local services to become a member.”
The Trust welcomed many members to its successful ‘Hot Topic’ event this week ((14) which looked at the work of the team in the Emergency Department. The event was open to all and the audience, which included members, GPs and former patients, was given a real insight into life in a busy ED.
Membership of the Trust is free and members can get involved as little or as much as they like. You may want to stand for election onto the Council of Governors or simply receive the members’ newsletter which will keep you updated on what’s happening in the Trust.
SASH also has 3,500 staff members taking the grand total to 8,000. If you would like to find out more about membership or to fill in an online application form visit the Trust’s website at www.sussexandsussex.nhs.uk or e mail sashFT.membership@nhs.net
Foundation trusts are different from existing NHS Trusts because they are less accountable to central government and more accountable to local people through the membership.
NHS foundation trusts remain part of the NHS and remain free at the point of use. They are subject to NHS standards, performance ratings and systems of inspection.
