SOUTHERN Health NHS Foundation Trust is inviting residents of South East and North Hampshire, and Southampton, to apply for the role of Public Governor.

The role comes as part of the trust's commitment to improve local healthcare services.

The elected Governors will become members of the Council of Governors, playing a pivotal role in establishing a dialogue between the public and the trust.

This will involve conveying opinions, feedback, and concerns of local constituents, supporting patients, their families, and carers, and influencing how healthcare services are delivered.

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Governors have reportedly significantly contributed to trust developments in recent years. Interested candidates can learn about the role in a virtual session scheduled on April 25, 12.30pm. To register your interest email corporate.governance@southernhealth.nhs.uk. 

Nominations for the Governor elections open now and will close on May 2, 5pm.

Lynne Hunt, chair of Southern Health, said: “Our Public Governors play such a vital role. They not only help us make strategic decisions about our services but, most importantly, they are the voice of the public and our patients.

"So, if you have a passion for healthcare and want to make a sizeable difference, I encourage you to become a Public Governor."

Adrian Thorne, Southern Health’s Lead Governor, added: "Governors play a key role in making sure our patients’ and carers’ voices are heard, and they are a critical friend to the Trust. To be most effective, we need individuals with all sorts of backgrounds, interests, and skills to join the Council of Governors and fully represent our communities across Hampshire."

To apply to be a Public Governor, go to mi-nomination.com/southernhealth.