If you are interested in having a say in the development of your local hospital services and support our ambition to become an NHS Foundation Trust, you should think about joining us as a member.
Members will have a recognised voice in our decision making and in how we plan future services. They can be involved as much or as little as they like - from simply receiving information about the hospitals to taking part in projects to improve or develop services.
Some of the things members can do include:
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Receive, and be invited to give feedback on, hospital newsletters, annual reports and business plans
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Be invited to act as a ‘barometer’ of public opinion on the Trust’s reputation and services
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Be able to vote in Governor elections
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Be eligible to stand for election to the Council of Governors
Members might also wish to take part:
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In surveys, questionnaires or consultations
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In focus, discussion, advisory or user groups
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At open days and other educational events
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By recruiting more members
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By helping to collect and channel the views of other members of the public on a variety of issues including service quality and service provision
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By being an ambassador for the Trust
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In fundraising
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By joining our volunteer team
These are some of the ways members can play a real role in the Trust’s forward planning and development of services, and be able to hold the Board of Directors to account for the delivery of the Trust's strategy.
Membership is free and does not bring with it any benefit or privileges when using our services.
Who can become a member?
We are looking for people from every walk of life who want to support their local hospitals and help shape their future. We want to create a membership that is
interested in our services and reflects the diverse communities found across Sussex. We are especially keen to include minority groups and would particularly welcome interest from these sections of the local community.
We are grouping members in three different types of constituency:
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Public
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Patient and Carer
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Staff
To be a Public member you must be at least 16 years old and live in one of the five local council areas where the great majority of our patients reside. These are:
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Arun
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Chichester
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Horsham
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Worthing
However, we know we have many patients who live outside these main areas and we want to include everyone. So, if you do not live in any of the five areas above but you have been a patient or carer at one of our hospitals since 1 January 2008, you can become a member of the Patient and Carer constituency.
All permanent staff and those on fixed-term contracts of 12 months or longer will also automatically become staff members. Those who do not wish to do so will be able to opt out.
Join us now!
Membership form
