THE Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is inviting its members to stand for election to become a trust governor and help shape the future of healthcare in Dudley.

Elections are open for vacancies in the public constituencies of Dudley Central, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge and the Rest of the Midlands and the staff constituency of Medical and Dental.

Anyone who is a foundation trust member is eligible to stand for election.

The trust is encouraging its 18,500 members to consider becoming actively involved in the Council of Governors.

Dudley Group’s chairman Jenni Ord said: “Standing for election is a great opportunity for patients, their partners and carers to influence the way healthcare is provided.

“Governors play an important part in the governance of the trust and work closely with the board of directors advising on local health issues.”

To find out more about the role anyone interested can attend a governor information event between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday October 3 in the Clinical Education Centre, Russells Hall Hospital, Pensnett Road, Dudley.

To reserve a place, call the foundation trust office on 01384 321124 or email foundationmembers@dgh.nhs.uk.

To become a member of the trust, go to the Dudley Group's website http://dudleygroup.nhs.uk/ and complete an online application form.

Nomination forms and further information regarding the election process can be found at www.ersvotes.com/TDG2018.

The deadline for nomination forms is 5pm on Monday October 15.