June 3, 2011 3.00 pm This story is over 153 months old

Locals to elect mental health trust governors

Election time: Local residents have a chance to elect someone to a Lincolnshire mental health decision-making body.

Local residents have a chance to elect someone—or even be elected themselves—to a Lincolnshire mental health decision-making body.

The by-elections will elect a public governor to represent North Kesteven for a year on Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Council of Governors.

They’ll also appoint service user and carer governors who’ll serve for two years, in the Adult Services, Child and Family or Carer categories.

There is still time to become a member and vote in the elections.

If members want to stand for election themselves, nominations must be in by 5pm on Wednesday, June 15.

Although still part of the NHS, the foundation trust has members who elect a Council of Governors to represent the views and opinions of local people.

Anyone over the age of 12 can become a member and the Trust currently has 8,370 members. These include members of the public, service users, carers and staff.

Samantha Hackney, Governor and Membership Officer, said: “Governors represent the views of members at the highest level within the Trust. By standing for election or casting your vote, you can influence how mental health services are run in Lincolnshire.”

Members of the Trust eligible to vote in these elections will receive voting papers and details of the candidates on or around Tuesday 5 July. Votes can be cast until 5pm on Monday 25 July.

More information on becoming a member and how to stand for election is available on the Trust website.

Source: LFPT