THE chair of the NHS trust that runs Colchester General Hospital is encouraging members of the public to stand to join its Council of Governors.

A by-election will take place this spring to fill three public governor posts and one staff governor vacancy on the Council, which has 26 posts in total.

David White, Chair of Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “These are challenging times for the whole health service, not least Colchester Hospital Trust as we begin to firm up our long-term partnership with Ipswich Hospital.

“Governors listen to ideas and views from the public and staff, and are instrumental in bringing a local perspective to the planning and development of services.

“I would urge anyone who cares about the services we provide to seriously consider taking part in the by-election to our Council of Governors.”

There is one public governor vacancy for each of the following public constituencies: Colchester, Tendring, and Halstead & Colne Valley.

Two open events for anyone wanting more information about becoming a governor will be held later this month at Colchester General Hospital, each of which will be preceded by a health talk.

The talks will last about 45 minutes and include an opportunity for questions.

On Wednesday January 25, Dr Charles Bodmer, consultant diabetologist, will talk about Type 2 diabetes – how not to get it - and on Monday January 30 Dr Bruce Sizer, consultant oncologist, will give a presentation called Improvements in cancer treatment.

Both talks will start at 6pm and take place in the Postgraduate Medical Centre, Colchester General Hospital, after which several of the trust’s current governors will be available to talk about their role and how the by-election process works.

Members of the public can become a member via www.colchesterhospital.nhs.uk/register.shtml or by phoning the Membership Helpline on 08000 51 51 43 (weekdays, 9.30am to 5pm).

To be eligible to stand to be a governor or to vote in the by-election, which will be in the form of a postal ballot between April 25 and May 19, people need to have registered to become a public member of the trust by March 30. The results will be declared on May 22.

Public governors are not paid but they are reimbursed any expenses they incur during the course of their work.

Anyone who would like more information about the by-election should phone Shane Jarvis at Colchester General Hospital on 01206 742347. Alternatively, email ft.membership@colchesterhospital.nhs.uk