Membership
The most important part of being an NHS Foundation Trust is its membership – drawn from people living in the communities served by the Trust, and its service users, their carers and our staff.
We intend to recruit at least 4,500 members – would you like to be one? Members do not receive any special treatment as NHS service users, but they will be an integral part of the organisation and their involvement at all levels of the Trust’s work will be encouraged. They will be able to influence the future direction of the Trust and monitor its effectiveness, service quality and value for money. They will bring commitment and enthusiasm for improving mental wellbeing in their local communities.
Members are needed to give their views on relevant issues to the Governors and shape the strategic direction of the Trust.
You would decide how much or how little you want to be involved: you could come along to regular events or simply reserve input for when something comes up which is particularly important to you.
It is the members who elect representatives – from among themselves – to the Board of Governors. Members are also able to stand as a governor of the new Trust. If you are voted in, you will then have substantial say over our future and our services. If you became a governor, you could even put yourself forward for appointment as Chair of the Trust.
So why not become a member? You don’t have to have a mental health problem yourself – or even know anyone who does. Being a member is simply for people who care about their community. We’d love you to join in our work and vision for the care of those who are unfortunate enough to have a mental illness.
If you’re interested in applying, you can either download an application form or contact the Membership Office at the address below. The Trust will get back to you as soon as we receive your application to give you more information and confirm the constituency to which you’ve been allocated.
Membership Office
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Hellesdon Hospital
Drayton High Road
Norwich
NR6 5BE
tel: 01603 421425
email: membership@nsft.nhs.uk