Hospital foundation trust marks its first anniversary

MORE than 150 people attended the first annual meeting of Musgrove Park Hospital’s NHS foundation trust, in Taunton.
They heard reports from chairman Ros Wyke and chief executive Jo Cubbon and saw the first ever showing of the foundation trust DVD.
There were also presentations on the new surgical centre planned for Musgrove and the cancer treatment Beacon Centre, which will open next May.
Mrs Wyke said: “Members are very important to us at Musgrove, they make a real difference and it was good to be able to meet so many at the annual meeting.
“It was particularly useful to hear people’s views about the hospital - what we are getting right and what we need to work on.
“These views, and the involvement of our members, will help us move from being a good hospital, to becoming a great hospital.”
One foundation member, Glyn Meredith, said: “The meeting was very good and extremely interesting.
“The enthusiasm of the staff was clear for all to see, both in the presentations and in those running stalls.
“It gave me great confidence in the future of the hospital and I would certainly go to other events being organised.”
Joining the foundation trust is free and does not commit members to anything.
They receive information from the hospital, are invited to special members-only evenings, and have an opportunity to vote in elections for the members’ council.
The council is made up of 27 governors, of whom 20 are elected, and plays a key role in influencing the future direction of the hospital and deciding who sits on the board of directors.
Anybody who would like to join the foundation trust can call the membership office on 01823 342460 or they can join online at http://www.tsft.nhs.uk/GetInvolved/MembersandGovernors/MembershipForm/tabid/1233/Default.aspx. The telephone number can also be used by anybody who would like a speaker from the hospital to attend their community or local meeting.

• Our photograph shows foundation trust member Glyn Meredith with one of the younger members, Charlotte Trower, and her 10-month-old daughter Sofia Nichols, who attended the annual meeting. Photo submitted.