Make a difference to local NHS services and become a member of Dorset HealthCare

9th February 2017

Local residents are being urged to sign up and become a member of Dorset HealthCare to influence decisions and strengthen its links with communities.

Anyone over the age of 11 can become a member, and as well as enjoying health-related discounts, you can have your say in the way Trust services are delivered.

Chris Balfe, Lead Governor at the Trust since 2014, is calling on people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved - in particular young people and men aged over 30 – two groups that are currently under represented.

How NHS services are delivered is under the spotlight more than ever, and Dorset is no exception. The Clinical Services Review currently being led by Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) proposes a major shake-up of the local system in a bid to bring care closer to home, join up different services more effectively and improve patient care.

Dorset HealthCare will play a major role in future developments, and its members will have a big say in shaping some crucial decisions.

Chris said: “Becoming a member of the Trust provides a great opportunity for people to have their say on what we do, the services we offer, and help shape our future plans.

“Membership is our link to local people and their link to us. We aim to build a meaningful, effective and representative membership in order to provide a solid link with the communities we serve.”

Membership is free and no previous experience is necessary. You’ll also receive regular Trust newsletters and can help elect the Trust’s Council of Governors.

Dorset HealthCare provides a huge number of physical and mental health services in a range of locations across Dorset. It runs 12 community hospitals, specialist community and in-patient mental health care, and learning disability services.

Its community-based services also include district nurses, health visitors, school nursing, end of life care, sexual health promotion, safeguarding children, diabetes, education, audiology, speech and language therapy and orthopaedic care.

The Trust serves a population of more than 700,000 and employs more than 5,000 staff across a wide range of expertise and specialisms.

For more information about becoming a member, log on to our website, www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk, and click on the ‘About the Trust/Membership’ tab.

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