Tameside Hospital is looking for people who want to make a difference by helping to influence how health services locally are developed. 

Nominations are now open for Public Governor positions in Ashton, Audenshaw, Denton, Hyde, Longdendale and Mossley.

Jane McCall, Chair of Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Ashton-based hospital, says there's never been a more important time for local people to step forward to contribute to the future direction of the NHS in the region. 

She explained: “Governors are a 'critical friend' giving their support to the Trust whilst keeping an eye over its performance against targets and standards.

"They provide a link between the local community and the Board of Directors. They represent the interests of members of the Trust as a whole, the interests of the public and those of our partner organisations. 

“The Council of Governors meets every three months. All reasonable expenses incurred as a result of carrying out Council duties (such as travel expenses) are reimbursed by the Trust, although there is no salary associated with the post of Governor. 

“If we receive a lot of interest and nominations for each area then an election will take place. This will involve all the other members within the area casting a postal vote based on a short summary about each of the individuals seeking to be elected to the Foundation Trust's Council of Governors. However, if only one person comes forward for nomination, they will be elected unopposed.” 

To apply, you need to be: 

• A member of Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust - you can become a member by visiting: www.tamesideandglossopicft.nhs.uk   
• Aged 16 years or over 
• Interested in the NHS 
• Have some time to spare, particularly during the day 
• Be able to commit to being a Governor and all it involves for the term of office 
• Be able to commit to attending Council of Governors' meetings four times a year 
• Want to help the Trust by seeking members’ views and feeding these back. 

For more details and to submit a nomination, visit https://www.cesvotes.com/tghElection  

Alternatively, for an informal chat about the role, contact the Membership Office on 0161 922 6005. 

Nominations will close at 5pm on Tuesday 14 December. 

Read more from the Tameside Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper