MP encourages all to get involved in NHS consultation to potentially become Trust members

Geoffrey Cox MP is encouraging people within his constituency to consider getting involved in the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust consultation.

The Torridge and West Devon MP hopes residents will make their views known with regard to the prospect of the Northern Devon Health NHS Trust becoming an NHS Foundation Trust, and being renamed Devon Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Geoffrey Cox commented: "An NHS Foundation Trust differs from the current system in place in a number of ways. Most importantly, Foundation Trusts are more accountable to the communities they support. Anyone can become a member of the Trust, and from the membership Governors are elected. The Governors have formal duties and rights in relation to how the Trust operates."

"The Foundation is also able to better respond to locally identified needs. The Trust will be afforded greater financial and commercial freedom, allowing additional monies raised on their income to be kept and, through Governors and the members, reinvested into the Trust in a way most appropriate to benefit those of us in the area that use it."

"I would sincerely support as many people as possible toward becoming involved in this Trust, making it the best it can be for our community. There are a number of public consultation events being held across Devon in November and December, and further information can be found at www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk/ft."