By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated at 11:30, Monday, 17 September 2012

Two thousand people have signed up to have a say in how north Cumbria’s hospitals are run.

But the incoming Northumbria Healthcare trust – which will soon take over the Carlisle and Whitehaven hospitals – is urging even more patients, relatives, staff and members of the public to get involved.

Bosses have set a target of recruiting 10,000 members from across north and west Cumbria by December 1.

Once in place, the newly-merged foundation trust will cover a large part of both Cumbria and Northumbria.

Foundation trusts operate differently to traditional health bodies. They are built around a large pool of members, who can have a say in any future decisions.

As well as being kept informed about changes in the trust, members are able to put themselves forward as governors, who can directly question and influence the executive board – as well as being involved in appointing some of the trust’s senior personnel. Regular elections are held, with members voting for the choice of governors.

In a bid to boost membership as part of the ongoing takeover – which will not be finalised until April next year – the trusts have launched a local publicity drive. The Become the Heartbeat of your Local NHS campaign has been touring the county, encouraging people to sign up to become members.

To sign up or find out more visit www.ncuh.nhs.uk.

First published at 11:26, Monday, 17 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk