WARRINGTON Hospital will elect new governors this autumn.

Seven governor positions at Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are up for election in November.

The trust is looking for residents to put themselves forward for the positions, which help to ensure decisions about the hospital are made in the interests of patients.

The five areas up for election in Warrington are Lymm, Grappenhall and Thelwall, Appleton, Stockton Heath, Hatton, Stretton and Walton, Penketh, Cuerdley, Great Sankey North and Great Sankey South, Poplars, Hulme and Orford and North Mersey.

To stand, residents must be at least 16 and living in one of the areas up for election – they must also enrol as a foundation trust member by Tuesday, October 17.

Trust chairman Steve McGuirk said: “There has never been a more important time to step forward for your local NHS.

“We are working to continually improve and develop our services, focussing on the way we deliver care and recruit, train and grow our wonderful and dedicated workforce.

“At the same time, we face significant challenge both financially and operationally.

“We really value our council of governors and the individuals who give up their time to hold our non-executive directors to account, help us define our strategic direction and provide that critical voice for the local populations that we serve.

“If you are passionate about the NHS and your local hospitals then becoming a governor is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and experience as well as being our patient and public ambassadors ensuring that their interest remain front and centre of all we do.”

For more information go to whh.nhs.uk.