Membership: making a difference
Why is a Foundation Trust different?
An NHS Foundation Trust can now manage their own budgets and shape services to reflect local needs and priorities. Foundation Trusts are still monitored closely to ensure that they continue to provide reliable, safe, and secure services for local people.
NHS Foundation trusts remain fully committed to the core principles of the National Health Service. In other words, care will continue to be provided free of charge to those who need it.
Foundation Trusts are answerable to people in our local community who have chosen to become members of the Trust.
Click here to become a member of our Trust
Why become a member?
Joining the Trust as a Foundation Trust member is completely free and is a voluntary role. As a member, you will have more of a say in your local Trust and will help us to understand the needs of our patients, carers, and our local population to develop services that meet local needs. You will be invited to meetings and events, including the Annual General Meeting.
Who can become a member?
You do not need any special skills or experience to be a member of our Trust. Membership is free and is open to anyone aged 16 and over. You do not have to live within the Trust's catchment area, but it is an advantage if you do as you will be contributing to the development of our Trust. It is important that we have a membership that is representative of all of those who access our services.
What are the benefits?
- Membership is completely free
- You will receive our monthly newsletter Membership Matters providing news updates and opportunities for members to get more involved
- You can have a say in the services the Trust offers
- You can meet new people, public and professionals
- You can vote in governor elections
- You may be eligible to stand for election as a governor
- You will receive invitations to special member events
- You will be invited to attend the Annual General Meeting
- As a member, you will receive exclusive NHS discounts
Will I have to give up a lot of my time?
How much time you choose to give to being a member is up to you. You might just want to be kept up-to-date with developments or you might be keen to get involved and help us find out what local people need from their hospital.
How will the Trust make sure my views are represented?
As a Foundation Trust, our Council of Governors ensures that the views of members, as well as those of the wider community, are represented appropriately. Please email yhs-tr.membership@nhs.net to contact any of our governors.
