NUHorizonsWinter 2009/2010Issue One

for members

Inside

Car parking update

Make a lifestyle change

Meet our fi rst member

2

Meeting our membersIt has been a busy and exciting year for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) as we continue in our quest to become a member-led organisation.

Becoming an NHS Foundation Trust will mean our members in the community will have more say in the running of NUH as well as ownership of the services delivered.

It will help us forge closer links with local

communities, provide more fi nancial

freedom and improve the services we

provide to patients.

We’ve been out and about in the

community to raise awareness of what

being an NHS Foundation Trust member

will mean for the local community and

discuss how you can get involved.

Thank you to everyone who came

along to our exhibitions at events such

as Nottingham Pride, Nottingham

Carnival, the Mela and Riverside

Festival. We’ve had a fantastic response

so thank you to everyone who signed

up to be a member.

Annual Public MeetingMore than 180 people attended NUH’s Annual Public Meeting which was our most successful to date, creating a real buzz among visitors. Visitors to the event could have a number of tests including diabetes, blood pressure and hearing tests as well as sample some of

the food prepared by our award-winning chefs. Next year’s meeting will be on Wednesday 22 September 2010, 5-7pm, Cityside

Restaurant, Nottingham City Hospital campus. We hope you can join us.

NUH representatives at events around Nottingham

3

Welcome to all our membersfrom the Chief ExecutiveWelcome to the fi rst issue of NUHorizons magazine for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) members. Inside you’ll fi nd news and updates on our application to become an NHS Foundation Trust with details of how we are encouraging our members to get involved and have their say in the future of NUH.

Since starting our campaign to recruit members to support our NHS Foundation Trust application we’ve been delighted with the response from patients, staff and

the wider community. We set ourselves the target of reaching 10,000 members by December 2009 and I am delighted that we have reached this milestone.

I remember the fi rst member signing up at our Annual Public Meeting in September 2008 and how exciting and signifi cant this was for the Trust. You can fi nd out more about our fi rst member, Caroline Kenyon, on page 14 where Caroline writes about her involvement and experience of NUH and why she was so keen to become a member.

We are wholeheartedly committed to achieving the benefi ts for patients that will

be delivered through our future successful NHS Foundation Trust application. We are determined to make a single, successful application - we will keep you informed and value your support and involvement throughout the process. Turn to page 10 to fi nd out about the different ways you can get involved.

Finally, I’d like to thank you very much for your support over the past year, and I wish you all the best for 2010. I hope you enjoy the magazine and I look forward to your continued support in the coming year.

Peter HomaChief Executive

Contacts NUHorizons, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s members’magazine, is published by the Communications Team. Comments and story ideas are welcomed.

Contact Elizabeth Champion, Internal Communications Manager on 0115 924 9924 ext 62133 or elizabeth.champion@nuh.nhs.uk.

Extracts from NUHorizons should not be reproduced without prior permission from the Communications Team.

The opinions expressed in NUHorizons are not necessarily those of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

This publication is available in other languages and formats. For further information please contact 0115 924 9924 ext 62133. A plain text version is available.

Contents2 A year of events4 Our plans for car parking5 New Foundation Trust fi lm6 Feeling unwell – get the right care,

fi rst time7 Membership update8 How you can get involved 11 Win £50 worth of Marks and

Spencer vouchers13 Healthy lifestyle – make a change

for the better14 Meet our fi rst member

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13

14

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At NUH we understand that car parking can make a big difference to your experience at our hospitals, which is why we are committed to tackling the issue and improving facilities for everyone.

This is your opportunity to be involved in the shaping of high quality healthcare in Nottingham, giving local people a stronger voice and have a real say by helping us to conduct Equality Impact Assessments.

Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) are statutory requirements and provide NUH with

a structured way of looking at and examining the effects or impact of a proposed or

existing service or policy, recognising that people have different needs and requirements.

When we look at our services and policies we need to look deeper than just assuming

that because they apply to everyone equally, then that must mean equality.

Sometimes, we may need to change the service or policy or the way we use it so that

it meets people’s needs.

An EIA represents a creative opportunity for staff, patients and interested parties to be

involved in the planning, setting up and review of services and policies to make sure that

equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

EIAs give patients assurance that due regard has been given to treating them with dignity

and respect before they access our services.

If you have an interest, knowledge of equality areas such as, disability, age, gender,

sexual orientation, race, and religion or belief and have experience of reviewing policies

and services we would like to hear from you.

For further information on how to be involved please contact Antonia Kingaby on 0115 924 9924 ext 61667 or e-mail antonia.kingaby@nuh.nhs.uk.

Car parking update

Since the multi-storey car park on the QMC campus closed last year, we have been drawing up plans to make sure we improve future provision of parking on-site.

We realise the changes to parking have been diffi cult for everyone – patients, visitors and staff. We are sorry for the inconvenience such changes have caused.

We want to re-assure you that work is now well underway to create additional parking capacity on-site at the QMC. We have commissioned a major capital development on the City Hospital campus to enable a

series of offi ces to be moved off the QMC campus to the City Hospital site.

We will be investing £4million to increase car parking capacity at the QMC – the old residences at the QMC (Curie Court) at the south of the campus will be demolished and a new car park will be built. This will create an additional 600-900 spaces. Once the residences have been demolished, we expect it to take a further 12 months for the new car park to be built.

While this piece of work is being completed, we are also starting to create a new surface car park on the multi-storey car park site

following its demolition. This will create a further 160 spaces, which will help to relieve more of the pressure on on-site parking. This car park is due to be ready by May 2010.

As work continues to progress to improve capacity on-site at the QMC, we will continue to keep you up-to-date with these developments.

We also encourage alternative ways of getting to hospital, including cycling and our award-winning Medilink bus service which runs between the QMC and City Hospital campuses, Wilkinson Street Park and Ride, and Queen’s Drive Park and Ride.

We need your help to shape

polices and the services we provide

5

To help raise awareness of our NHS Foundation Trust campaign, we have launched a new fi lm.

The fi lm aims to help the public

better understand the application

process and the positive impact

becoming a member-led organisation

will have on patients and our services.

It features a group of members,

including medical students, staff and

people who have had experience of

NUH services, explaining why they are

supporting our campaign.

Kelly Fletcher, Membership Offi cer at

NUH said:

“We’re delighted to have been given the opportunity to produce this fi lm. We hope it will help the public better understand what NHS Foundation Trust status means and the positive impact it will have on patients, staff and the quality of services here at NUH. It gives potential members the opportunity to listen to others and fi nd out what it means for them.”

We’ll be using the fi lm at our recruitment

events and it will also be available on our

website at http://www.nuh.nhs.uk/ft/

foundation_trust_fi lm.htm.

Becoming an NHS Foundation Trust will give members greater control in how NUH is run, provide more fi nancial freedom, and improve the services we provide to patients.

Turn to page seven to fi nd out more about

our NHS Foundation Trust application.

We’d like to thank Membership Engagement Services and all the members involved for their support in making this fi lm.

NUH launches Foundation Trust fi lm

Margaret Danaford, NHS Foundation Trust member

Chief Executive Peter Homa in front of the camera Filming of the Foundation Trust fi lm

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With the arrival of the cold winter weather, it’s important that you get the Right Care, First Time. A new campaign, Right Care, First Time, has been launched to make sure you know the different ways you can get advice, support and treatment.

The campaign, launched by NHS Nottingham City and NHS

Nottinghamshire County, highlights the many ways you can

access healthcare.

When you are feeling unwell or have an injury, there are lots of

ways to get advice, support and treatment.

• If you think you have swine fl u you should stay at home and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicfl u. You can check your symptoms at www.nhs.uk. Do not visit your GP, Emergency Department, Walk-in Centre or Antiviral Collection Point.

• If you need advice for minor health problems you can speak to your pharmacist for on-the-spot advice and remedies for a wide range of problems like stomach upsets, coughs and colds. You can also call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for an assessment and advice service that can point you in the right direction for further treatment.

• If you have a minor illness or injury you can see your GP or go to an NHS Walk-in Centre. At the NHS Walk-in Centres at London Road, Nottingham, and at Stapleford Care Centre, you can see an experienced nurse for treatment of minor injuries and illnesses.

• If you think you need to see your GP out-of-hours, call the Practice number and you will be put through to the out-of-hours GP service for assessment. GPs and nurses are available through this route to see emergency cases 24 hours a day.

• You should only call 999 or go to the Emergency Department in an emergency – if you have a serious injury or life-threatening problem such as loss of consciousness, severe breathing diffi culty, heavy bleeding, severe chest pain, suspected broken bones, deep wounds (eg stab wounds), swallowing something harmful or poisonous or a drug overdose.

Local GP and chair of the NHS Nottingham City Professional Executive Committee Dr Ian Trimble said: “We know that with the arrival of winter that more people need help for minor injuries such as slips and falls on icy pavements, and common illnesses such as colds and coughs. We want to make sure people know the different ways they can access the right care – whether it’s through their local pharmacy, their GP or Walk-in Centre”.

tice number and you will be put through to the out-of-hours GP

Feeling unwell? Get the Right Care, First Time

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Get involved and help NUH make positive changesThank you to all our members who are supporting our application to become an NHS Foundation Trust. We’re delighted to have reached our 10,000 membership milestone and value your input and involvement as we continue our campaign to become an NHS Foundation Trust.

Our vision is to become the best acute teaching Trust in the country by 2016. We want to build on our achievements as a high performing, forward-thinking organisation, providing accessible, quality healthcare to people in greater Nottingham, the East Midlands and beyond.

Becoming an NHS Foundation Trust is the next step to help us achieve our vision. It will give our patients and the wider public the opportunity to be more involved in how our hospitals are run and the services we provide.

Foundation Trust membership update

Members elect most of the Board of Governors to represent them. It is a legal requirement that over half the Governors will be the representatives of local people. The rest of the Governors will be elected by our staff and will be appointed from local organisations who work in partnership with us.

Governors act as representatives of their respective areas and provide a link with the wider community.

Members who are elected as a Governor will:

• Receive induction and training in relation to the role they are undertaking

• Attend regular update sessions to promote a better understanding of the Trust and its services

• Be supported in communicating with their constituency and encouraged to hold surgeries, which members can attend to raise issues or receive information

• Be invited, within the Board of Governors meetings, to raise any issues from the membership

• Be asked to become involved in membership recruitment within their constituency

If you are interested in becoming a Governor or would like more information we will be holding Governor Awareness Sessions later this year. Look out for details in future issues of the magazine, mailings or or on our website at www.nuh.nhs.uk/ft

Board of Governors

The Pakistan Centre, Woodborough Road in Nottingham

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Your involvementWe want to involve our members, the public and our staff in the future of NUH. Whether you want to be a Governor, attend events or meetings, read our magazine, or just receive information, we value your involvement.

Membership is free and the different levels of membership are described below:

LEVEL ONE – magazine only• Keep up-to-date with our news and events throughout the year.

LEVEL TWO – magazine and events• In addition to level one, members will be invited to members’ events

including information days, and Medicine for Members meetings. See page 10 for more information.

LEVEL THREE – magazine, events, additional mailings and consultations

• In addition to levels one and two, members will receive information on specifi c areas of interest. They will be contacted on a range of activities, including surveys, questionnaires, and invitations to take part in focus groups related to particular services.

If you are unsure about the level of membership you have specifi ed or wish to change your level of involvement at any time, please contact the membership team on 0115 924 9924 ext 62904 or by e-mailing ft@nuh.nhs.uk.

NHS Foundation Trusts – the facts• NHS Foundation Trusts are

still part of the NHS

• They work within the local community, for the local community

• Democracy is at the heart of an NHS Foundation Trust

• Greater fi nancial freedom

• Freedom from government control

As an NHS Foundation Trust you can expect:

• Continued high standards of care and patient safety

• Greater involvement in NUH

• More say in how your hospitals are run

• A chance to elect people to represent you

• More fi nancial freedom to improve services

• Less control from central Government

Membership recruitment at the New College Nottingham open day

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Quality Accounts – coming soonIn 2010, NUH will publish Quality Accounts for the fi rst time. This is an opportunity to share with our patients, members and the public more detailed information about the quality of care provided at our hospitals covering safety, effectiveness and patient experience.

In our fi rst publication, we will be focusing on the areas that our patients have told us matter most to them. We will be e-mailing our members soon to ask for their views on whether we have focused on the right areas, where there may be gaps and what else you would like to see in future Quality Accounts for NUH. The Quality Accounts will be published early summer 2010.

Getting involvedWe would like to work with our members to get feedback which will help us to improve the information we send out to patients before they come into our hospitals for outpatient appointments.

We know from the feedback we receive from our patients and visitors, through surveys and complaints, that we need to do more to improve the quality of information we provide to patients. We listen to the feedback we receive from patients on all of our services and where appropriate act on this. We would like your help and feedback to improve the quality of information we provide to outpatients, including letters, directions, and maps.

We would especially welcome feedback from members who have experience of our outpatient services in the following specialties: neurology, neurosurgery, spines and orthopaedics.

If you would like to get involved in this project, please call Kate Daniels on 0115 969 1169 ext 55041 or e-mail kate.daniels@nuh.nhs.uk by Friday 29 January 2010.

We have recently started a whole hospitals change programme, called Better for you. This programme is all about how we can work even closer with our patients and staff to make our services better for everyone.

We are determined to be the best acute teaching Trust in the country by 2016 and Better for you will help us get there. Better for you is all about making sure we deliver caring, safe and thoughtful care to our patients.

The Emergency Department (ED) Change Programme recently marked the launch of Better for you. Over the last few months we have been working very closely with patients to get their views and feedback on areas for improvement in the

department, including patient care and pathways and the environment.

As a result of recent feedback, including face-to-face and telephone interviews, we have:

• Installed new TV screens in the waiting areas of ED to provide updates to patients and their relatives on waiting times and other Trust news

• Implemented a patient and carers’ feedback board in the department

If you have been cared for in the Emergency Department recently and would like to share your feedback on your experience, please contact Kate Pound, on 0115 9249924 ext 62982 or e-mail kate.pound@nuh.nhs.uk.

Patients get involved in ‘Better for you’ programme

Amber Bristow, ED Project Lead (left), with Jen Wardle-Miller, ED Nurse

Amber Bristow with patient Lynne Ellis

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Membership benefi ts, events and involvementAs well as having a say in how your hospitals are run there are lots of other benefi ts to being an NHS Foundation Trust member.

Twitter Why not follow us on Twitter? www.twitter.com/nuhft.

NHS Discounts Members can register with NHS Discounts to receive discounts on top brand goods and services including discounts on gas and electricity as well as discounts at major retailers including BHS, Dorothy Perkins, Currys, CD Wow, Oasis, Apple, Radley and many more.

To register visit www.nhsdiscounts.com. When completing the ‘your job’ section answer ‘Yes’ to working for the NHS and then select ‘Foundation Member’ as the job category.

Radiology The NUH radiology department at City Hospital campus holds drop-in open evenings, between 6-7pm, on the fi rst and third Thursday of every month.

The sessions include a tour of the department and demonstration of how the planning and treatment machines work. Patients can discuss the side-effects of treatment and how to cope with them during their treatment journey.

For more information please contact the Radiology Information and Support Team on 0115 962 7976.

Diary dates for 2010 Medicine for MembersOur Medicine for Members events give you the chance to fi nd out more about a range of medical and healthcare topics.

Each event will be held on one of our campuses, and will include an information session and/or tour of the relevant specialty or department.

Calendar of Events“Your hearts in our hands – Providing you with an opportunity to hear about the future of cardiac care in Nottingham” Wednesday 10 February 2010, 6–7.30pm at Postgraduate Education Centre (PGEC), QMC campus

Market place activities including:• Medical equipment relating to cardiac care • Free echoes, ultrasounds of the heart, for male attendees • Demonstrations on a resuscitation dummy• Staff on hand to answer questions

Tour of Clinical Skills CentreTuesday 30 March 2010, 6–7.30pm at the PGEC, QMC campus

Come along and join us on a behind the scenes tour of our Trent Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre where we provide a variety of training and education programmes for our staff. You will have the opportunity to watch a live simulation exercise and hear about the work of the centre.

Annual Public MeetingWednesday 22nd September 2010, 5 – 7.30pm at the Cityside Restaurant, Nottingham City Hospital campus

Contact usWe would encourage members to book a place at one of the talks to avoid disappointment. To register please call Kelly Fletcher on 0115 924 9924 ext 62904 or e-mail ft@nuh.nhs.uk.

We’d be delighted to see you there.

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Help us to reach our membership targetBy signing up a friend or family member before the 26 February 2010 you will receive automatic entry into our free prize draw to win £50 worth of Marks and Spencer vouchers.

To be in with a chance, all you need to do is:

• Tear out this form

• Add your details to section one

• Pass the form onto a friend or family member to complete section two

• Then return to FREEPOST ND6352, 33 Clarendon Road, London, N1 1BRby Friday 26th February 2010

Section 1 Information to be completed by existing FT member

Name 1st line of address

Contact No Email address

(this section must be completed in order for you to be entered into the prize draw. The deadline for applications is Friday 26th February 2010).

Section 2 Information to be completed by friend or family member

Foundation Trust Membership Application FormGeneral InformationWe want as many people as possible to become members of our Trust. By law we are required to keep a minimum amount of information about our members. This information will be kept strictly confi dential in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and will be used by the Trust solely for matters relating to your membership.

❒ Please tick here if you do NOT want your name and address to be available to the public through the Foundation Trust Register of Members

You must be 16 years or above to apply. All fi elds marked with a * are mandatory

Section 1: About You* Title: ❒ Mr ❒ Mrs ❒ Miss ❒ Ms ❒ Dr ❒ Rev ❒ Other

* First name:........................................................ * Last name: .............................................................

* Date of Birth: .................................................... * Gender: ❒ Male ❒ Female

* Address: .................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................ * Postcode: ...............................................................

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Ethnicity: (This section is optional, but allows us to ensure that our membership refl ects the diversity of our community).

❒ White British ❒ White Irish ❒ Any other white background

❒ White & Black Caribbean ❒ White & Black African ❒ White & Asian ❒ Any other Mixed background

❒ Indian ❒ Pakistani ❒ Bangladeshi ❒ Any other Asian background

❒ Caribbean ❒ African ❒ Any other Black background

❒ Chinese ❒ Any other ethnic background

* Section 2: How To Contact YouWe strongly encourage members to sign up to receive e-mail communication

Home Tel: ........................................................ Work Tel: ..................................................................

Mobile: ............................................................ E-mail: ......................................................................

Section 3: Other Personal Information (Optional)Religion:

❒ Buddhism ❒ Christianity ❒ Hinduism ❒ Islam ❒ Jainism ❒ Sikhism ❒ Atheism

❒ Judaism ❒ Other (please state) …………........................................ ❒ I do not wish to disclose

Sexual Orientation:

❒ Heterosexual ❒ Bi-sexual ❒ Gay ❒ Lesbian ❒ I do not wish to disclose

Section 4: Involvement In The TrustHow would you like to be involved?

❒ Newsletter only ❒ Newsletter and events ❒ Newsletter, events, additional mailing/consultation

Would you consider standing as Governor? ❒ Yes ❒ No

Section 5: Help Us To Improve Our Communication With YouYour Interests: (tick all that apply)

❒ Medical matters ❒ Patient information ❒ Hospital environment

❒ Auditing our services ❒ Future service developments ❒ Patient food and menu

❒ Faith needs ❒ Minority community needs ❒ Employment opportunities

❒ Carers’ needs and support ❒ Our role as an organisation supporting local communities

Section 6: DeclarationI would like to become a member of the NHS Foundation Trust, when authorised. I confi rm that all of the above information is correct and that I am 16 years or above (the minimum age for public membership).

Signature: ………………………………………………………. Date: …………………………………..

Please return this form to:

FREEPOST ND6352, 33 Clarendon Road, London, N1 1BR.

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Healthy eating tipsWatch out for saturated fatTry to cut down on the amount of saturated fat you eat. Sources of saturated fats include butter, lard, cream, and cheese. Replace them with small amounts of unsaturated fats such as spreads, and olive, rapeseed, or sunfl ower oils.

• Cut down on takeaways – they’re full of saturated fat

• Choose low-fat dairy products, leaner meats, and skinless chicken or turkey

• Don’t snack on crisps and chocolate – instead replace with fresh fruit

• Grill, bake, steam, boil, or poach foods instead of frying

• Eat more fruit and vegetablesEat a variety of fruit and vegetables and try to eat at least fi ve portions a day

• Eat oily fi shOily fi sh such as mackerel and fresh tuna are good sources of omega-3 polyunsaturates which can help protect against heart disease

• Cut down on salt Look out for salt in cereals and processed foods such as tinned sauces and ready meals which often have high salt levels. Too much salt can cause high blood pressure which increases the risk of heart disease. Make sure you check the food labels

HealthylifestyleMake a change for the betterIt’s the time of year when many people make resolutions to be healthier and fi tter. Even a small change to your lifestyle can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.

Exercise is a fantastic way to keep fi t and healthy and it’s also great for mental wellbeing.

• Exercise can help boost your mood and sense of wellbeing

• It will increase your energy levels

• It’s good for helping to reduce stress and

• It’s also a good confi dence-booster

Top tipsMake small changes at fi rst.

• Try new activities – walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobics, yoga or pilates are just a few you could try

• Make it fun – make sure you have the motivation by making exercise fun

• Exercise with friends – you’ll be more likely to stick to it

• Commit to a long-term plan – make smaller changes and stick to them

Improving care for heart & stroke patientsNHS Nottingham City is seeking the views of local people on proposals to improve care for heart attack and stroke patients. The proposals are for new specialist centres for acute stroke and heart attack which would mean having the most experienced and skilled staff working with the most modern equipment all in one place, providing the best possible treatment. It hasn’t yet been decided where these specialist centres will be in the East Midlands. Visit the NHS Nottingham City website at http://www.nottinghamcity-pct.nhs.uk/-have-your-say-/online-surveys.html to have your say.

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I’ve had many positive experiences at NUH, as a patient and as a volunteer.

I work one day a week in the Oncology department at City Hospital campus where I help with the admin. I started doing this fi ve years ago because I wanted to give something back to the health service for what they have given me over the years. I love being a volunteer.

I’ve always been interested in health and

medicine. When I was young I always

wanted to be a nurse. I was born in Leeds

but when I was 12 my family moved to

Africa. We lived in Ghana for 17 years so

I didn’t have the opportunity to pursue a

career in nursing. Instead I started working

as a secretary.

I enjoyed living in Africa but I was very

homesick. I decided to return to the UK in

1979 and, because my brother was living

in Nottinghamshire, I decided to join him

and set up home here. I’ve lived here ever

since. I met my husband soon after and

then we started our family.

My fi rst experience of NUH was when I

had my eldest daughter Joanne at City

campus. Three years later I had another

girl, Kirsty. My experiences in hospital were

really positive. It was a big difference from

the healthcare facilities in Africa. I did have

spells in hospital in Ghana and it was very

basic. It’s not like here. I think we are very

lucky to have the National Health Service

(NHS) although I do sometimes think

we take it for granted. Having fi rst-hand

experience of the hospitals overseas has

made me appreciate what we do have.

People moaning about the NHS riles me

– yes, it’s not perfect but we have a very

good health service considering we don’t

pay for it.

I became a regular patient at NUH in 1990

when I was diagnosed with diabetes. Since

then, I’ve had more experience of the

hospitals for other health conditions. My

consultant and I felt more like friends than

a doctor-patient relationship. You could

talk to her and she would listen.

Overall, I can’t complain about the

standard of my care. If something is not

right I will report it – it’s important that

people provide feedback so that NUH can

maintain the high standards or learn and

improve things for patients.

I also volunteer at the YMCA where I take

part in an over 50s fi t club.

I’m really passionate about health and fi tness. I just don’t want people to go through what I’ve been through.

Promoting the benefi ts of exercise and sharing my experiences is my way of helping other people in a similar situation to me. I enjoy the volunteer work, both at NUH and the YMCA, and if I can help one person a week, I’m happy.

I signed up to be a Foundation Trust member at the Annual Public Meeting in September 2008. I’d received some information about the campaign to become an NHS Foundation Trust and I was keen to get more involved. I went along and was pleased to be the fi rst member.

I do think NUH could be more open – which is why I’m such a supporter of NUH becoming an NHS Foundation Trust. It will give members, the public, and staff more of a say in how the hospital is run. It’s something I’m keen to support. I think it will be good for members to get involved and have more of a say in how services are run.

Once we become an NHS Foundation Trust it will enable us, through the Board of Governors, to have a bit more of a voice. And if you want to have a stronger voice, you could always stand for election.

For people who aren’t as involved as me it will give them the chance to fi nd out more – you can get involved as much or as little as you like. It will defi nitely make it more democratic and more accountable to the people it exists for. Every member will be listened to.

I think people may wonder why we have delayed the NHS Foundation Trust application but there is a reason for it, and we need to make sure we are successful. The time will come and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Meet....our fi rst memberIn September 2008 we started our campaign to become an NHS Foundation Trust. Hospital volunteer Caroline Kenyon was the fi rst in line to show her support.

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I’ve always been interested in health and medicine. When I was young I always wanted to be a nurse.

Caroline Kenyon, our fi rst NHS Foundation Trust member

16

COMPETITIONYour chance to win £50 worth of Marks and Spencer vouchersBy signing up a friend or family member before the 26 February 2010 you will receive automatic entry into our free prize draw to win £50 worth of Marks and Spencer vouchers.

To be in with a chance, all you need to do is:

• Tear out the membership form on page 11

• Add your details to section one

• Pass the form onto a friend or family member to complete section two

• Then return to FREEPOST ND6352, 33 Clarendon Road, London, N1 1BR by

Friday 26 February 2010

Meet Kelly Fletcher Kelly Fletcher has worked at NUH for more than seven years.Kelly started in 2002 as a Clerical Offi cer/Receptionist in the Chairman and Chief Executive’s Offi ce and quickly progressed to the role of PA to the Chairman and Chief Executive/Executive Assistant. Although she was enjoying the administrative roles and responsibilities, Kelly wanted to have more involvement with the patients and public so applied for the Membership Offi cer post last year.

Since starting her new role Kelly has really enjoyed getting out and about around the hospital and the wider health community, meeting people such as yourselves who can make a real difference to the future of NUH. Kelly is responsible for all aspects of NHS Foundation Trust membership and is always on hand to take any queries from FT members or members of the public.

Where are my personal details held?We have employed Membership Engagement Services (MES), an external database

company, to manage our membership database. All information is kept strictly

confi dential in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. If you would like to fi nd

out more about MES please visit their website www.membra.co.uk

Get in touchIf you have an enquiry about any aspect of your membership please contact:

Kelly Fletcher, Membership Offi cer on 0115 924 9924 ext 62904 or by e-mail to ft@nuh.nhs.uk

Or contact

Membership Engagement Services

By Freephone 0800 7310319 (open between 8.30–5pm Monday to Friday).

Alternatively visit our website www.nuh.nhs.uk/ft for more information and the latest news.