MEMBERS of the public are being invited to play a 'pivotal' role in the development of local NHS services.

The Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) has a number of vacancies on its council of governors.

Now the trust, which runs Crewe's Leighton Hospital, the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich (VIN) and Winsford's Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre, is inviting people to stand in the latest council of governors election.

The council of governors is made up of 28 individuals, across three constituencies, who ensure members' views are represented at the very highest level and hold the non-executive directors to account for the performance of the board of directors.

Governors also appoint non-executive directors and auditors to the trust and approve any significant mergers or transactions.

As well as inviting NHS staff and the public to stand as governors, MCHFT is also hosting a number of ‘Meet your Governor’ events, which will take place at a variety of locations.

These events will provide the opportunity to meet some of the trust's current Governors and discuss the role with those who are most familiar with it.

The events include: Wednesday, July 10, in the main reception at the VIN between 1pm and 3pm, and Wednesday, July 17, between 9.30am and 11.30am at Infinity House in Crewe.

A virtual event takes place on Monday, July 15, from 4pm to 5pm, via Microsoft Teams.

There are seven governor vacancies including two in the Northwich region, three in Crewe and South Cheshire, one clinical support staff vacancy and a further professional qualified clinical vacancy.

A MCHFT spokesman said: "The trust would like to encourage staff and members of the public to get involved and help make a difference.

"You can have your say and play your part for your local hospital. If you would like to stand as a governor, you will be required to fill in a nomination form.

"Nominations opened on June 25, with the deadline for all nominations to be submitted by July 23, 2024.

"Voting will then take place for members towards the end of August and the declaration of the results will be towards the end of September.

"If you do not wish to stand as a Governor, please don’t forget to vote when you have the chance, as Governors play a pivotal role in the development of local NHS services."

For any queries, contact the membership office, by emailing corporate.governance@mcht.nhs.uk or calling 01270 612453.