Would You Like to Have a Say in the Running of Your Hospitals?
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gooThe members’ newsletterd of Sheffieldh Teachingealth Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Spring 2008 Issue 15 British Transplant ACU has state of the Dr Rob’s Bug End of an Era! The Productive Ward Games 2008 art witness system Column Programme 7 Inside 2 3 4 5 Next round of elections for Governors’ Council at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Would you like to have a say in the running of your hospitals? key part of the Trust’s member- has brought contact with patients and their Kaye Meegan working to promote membership in the local ship is electing members to the visitors, chatting about their fears and con- community and I joined the committee which Governors’ Council. As a mem- cerns, but also feeding back to staff lots of has the task of appointing the Chairman and ber you can choose to stand in good comments. Non-executive Directors of the Trust.” the elections yourself or you can “I recently attended a Department of Health Susan is also one of two representatives from Avote for the candidate you feel will represent the Trust on the National Foundation Trust event aimed at improving infection preven- your views. tion and increasing public and patient confi- Governors’ Association. She meets with col- Jane Pellegrina, Foundation Trust Membership dence in the NHS. The Parliamentary Under leagues from all over the country to discuss Manager, says: “The elections give members Secretary of State for Health, Anne Keen, MP, the many challenges facing all Trusts. the chance to have their say. Governors play attended the meeting and she was eager to an important role in the Trust, working with hear what we had to say. the Board of Directors and colleagues to help “I have also joined the Healthcare shape services and influence changes.” Commission’s Expert Reference Group looking GoodHealth talked to some current Governors at their hygiene code inspection programme. to discover what their experiences in the role Cleanliness is a subject close to my heart and encourage your friends and relatives to were and what qualities candidates will need. I relish the chance of involvement in this area. become members too. We may not always Joe Abson, a Patient Governor since 2007, “I would recommend members to consider want to think about the services provided by said: “Colleagues in the Trust have been wel- standing in the elections this year but in any our hospitals, but when we need it we want coming and supportive and I’m enjoying the event, I would encourage members to vote the best we can have. Join us and help make experience. Along with two other Governors when ballot papers drop through the door a difference.” I am working closely with the Trust’s Patient in May.” Susan Wilson is a Public Governor in South Representative Group. Public members in the North of Sheffield West Sheffield. She told GoodHealth that “My involvement in the work of this group elected Kaye Meegan to the Governors’ after retiring from a career in the NHS, the Council in 2006. Kaye told GoodHealth that opportunity to continue her involvement with her efforts have been repaid by many the hospitals in this new way was one she rewarding experiences. really welcomed. Kaye says: “I am enjoying playing a part in She liked the idea because members have the shaping the future of our hospitals. Part of chance to be consulted about what the Trust my role is to ensure that people have a say. I does, the local services it provides and can speak regularly with patients, carers and rela- be more directly involved by standing for tives in the Trust’s hospitals, seeking opinions election as Governors. and feeding back to the Trust. Importantly Susan said she was pleased and privileged to for me I’ve had a chance to hear the Trust’s be elected to represent the people of South Susan Wilson responses and to learn how issues are West Sheffield in 2004. “It has been a busy being managed. and interesting time and I have learnt about If you want to have your say and become a how the Trust is managed.” “I recently attended an eye clinic and spoke to member you will find an application form on a lady whose sight had been restored after 40 “The Governors’ Council meets four times the back page of this paper or you can con- years. Her whole life was improved and she a year, while Governors also undertake tact Jane Pellegrina on 0114 2714322, email was so happy that she wanted to kiss the doc- activities in areas of personal interest. I am [email protected] or by writing to tor! She made me remember why I had been involved with the Patient Representative Jane at the Foundation Trust Office, Clock motivated to become a member of the Trust. Group. This sees volunteers working along- Tower, Northern General Hospital, Herries I have met some incredible staff, really com- side medical and nursing colleagues, bringing Road, Sheffield S5 7AU. Details about mitted to offering the best possible care. the opinions and perspective of patients and standing in the elections to the Governors’ “Please consider joining our team and stand members of the public to the Trust. Council are contained in the NOTICE OF Joe Abson for election to the Governors’ Council and “I am part of the Communications Group ELECTIONS on page 2. 2 goodhealth Spring 2008 Issue 15 Phone a friend - and ask them to become a member! Telephone 0114 271 4322 or Foundation News email: [email protected] for more information. Notice of Andrew Raftery elections The Trust gives notice that it will hold elections to the Governors’ Council on 4 June 2008 Elections will be held for the following positions Public Constituency Sheffield North - Two Vacancies Public Constituency Sheffield South West - One Vacancy Public Constituency Sheffield West - One Vacancy Patient Constituency - Three Vacancies Nomination packs with information about how to stand for election to these positions will be available from 10 April 2008 from the address below. All Members wishing to stand for election will be required to attend a short training session prior to submission of their nomination forms, a list of dates and venues for the training sessions will be includ- ed in the nomination packs. Foundation Trust Office Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Northern General Hospital Herries Road Sheffield S5 7AU British Telephone: 0114 271 4322 Email: [email protected] Transplant All nomination papers must be received by the Returning Officer of Electoral Reform Services at the address below by 12 noon on 13 May 2008. Faxed or emailed nominations will not be accepted. Games 2008 Electoral Reform Services Limited The Election Centre 33 Clarendon Road LONDON N8 0NW launched Telephone: 0208 889 9203 in Sheffield Elections Ballot papers will be distributed to qualifying Members on 4 June heffield has been the event and hoping to be chosen the profile of organ transplantation. 2008. Completed ballot papers must be received by the Independent chosen as the host to represent the UK at the World Scrutineer, Electoral Reform Services Limited by 12 noon on “Organ donation is the ultimate gift. city for the 31St Transplant Games in Australia in No-one ever thinks that something 23 June 2008. The results of the election will be announced on Westfield Health British 2009. But many participants come might happen to them so it is a 24 June 2008. Transplant Games. to renew old friendships, participate subject that rarely gets mentioned SThe annual event managed by in sporting events at their own pace in family conversations. However I Sheffield-based Montgomery Leisure and enjoy a few days of fun. All would urge all families to talk about Dates for your diary in 2008 Services Ltd on behalf of the char- the athletes have experienced life the subject of donating their organs ity Transplant Sport AUK (TSUK), threatening illness and are now so if the unthinkable happens, eve- Date Time Meeting and Venue is one of the biggest annual multi- fit and well as a result of a success- ryone is prepared and knows what Wednesday 7 May 5.30 pm Health Talk – “Bugs, bites and sports events in the UK and will ful transplant. your wishes would be.” take place at venues across the city all things tropical” The games have been staged annu- There are many different ways in from 7th until 11th August 2008. Royal Hallamshire Hospital ally since 1978 in 15 host cities which you can support the games. see page 8 for details With almost 1,000 recipients of and were last hosted in Sheffield in You can enter the Star Donor Run: life-saving organ transplants taking 1995, when Westfield Health were Individual or team entries available part, aged between two and 82, and again a key supporter and sponsor for the 3km or 5km event, which is Tuesday 20 May 5.00 pm Governors’ Council Meeting above over 2,000 supporters, the of the games. The transplant ath- taking place at Don Valley Stadium Undergraduate Common Room games are set to deliver more than letes participate in 18 sports includ- on Saturday 9th July. You can regis- Northern General Hospital £2.5m of economic benefit to the ing track and field, golf, swimming, ter your interest at [email protected] city of Sheffield. tennis and cycling. You can also join the organ donor Tuesday 23 September 5.00 pm Governors’ Council Meeting The aim of the games is to encour- Andrew Raftery, Consultant Renal register by visiting http://www.