We are in a good position to become a Foundation Trust, not least because we are fortunate to have had the support of our governors and members-in-waiting since 2008.

As part of our preparations for our previous NHS Foundation Trust application back then, elections to the Council of Governors took place. Although our ‘governors’ have no formal role, we have worked with them over the last three years to develop links with committees and groups to facilitate a voice for members in the day to day running of the Trust.

We have systematically engaged with our members and ‘governors’, working with them to ensure that the voices of our patients and staff are heard across a range of issues; from developing our Patient Promises to contributing to a longer term strategy for the Trust, and from interviewing candidates for the role of Chief Executive to helping to define our Quality Account.

We believe involving more people systematically and being more responsive will make us an even better hospital Trust But don’t take our word for it. Here is what our ‘governors in waiting’ have to say:

Governor-in-waiting Consultant Thoracic and Oseophago-Gastric Surgeon Joe Rahamin: "It is essential that we become an NHS Foundation Trust, as we are the largest Trust in the south west peninsula offering specialist services and we should be controlling our own destiny. Becoming a Foundation Trust will give us more autonomy to plan and invest in research and innovation, which undoubtedly improves patient care and outcomes.

 

 

 

Governor-in-waiting Vera Mitchell:
"As a ‘governor in waiting’ I have contributed ideas from the patient perspective, highlighting what is good and bad, to influence change. I have seen changes happen and realise that the opinions of ‘governors’, members and patients are valued. I have been part of the ‘governors’ panel three times when the Trust has appointed Executive Directors."

 

 

 

 

Governor-in-waiting Pam Redgwell:
"As a governor in waiting, I have been able to gain an insight and … understand the problems that need to be overcome. It has allowed us to begin to build a relationship and two way conversation between management and all the stakeholders involved. I hope we will have the opportunity to develop this further as a Foundation Trust to help provide the best service for everyone involved, one of which we can all be truly proud."