Membership
In 2007 Dorset County Hospital was proud to be awarded Foundation Trust status. As a Foundation Trust, Dorset County Hospital is required to have a Membership and a Council of Governors.
The Membership, by electing a Council of Governors to represent their views and comments, plays an important part in ensuring decisions made by the Trust Board are in the best interests of the community and patients.
Who can be a Member?
- If you are aged 16 years or over
- A resident in England.
Benefits to Members
Membership of the Trust is free and open to all England residents aged 16 years and over. As a member you receive the following benefits:
- Receive regular newsletters and e-bulletins
- Access to a range of discounts only usually available to NHS staff, including discounts at local businesses
- Right to vote for Governors in your constituency
- Chance to stand as a Governor and represent local members and the public
- Opportunity to provide feedback to the hospital
- Means of showing support for the Trust.
How to become a Member
If you have any questions about membership please look at our frequently asked questions below or contact the Membership Office using the details below.
Becoming a member of the Trust is simple and free. Simply fill out the online application form.
Alternatively, please contact the Membership Office for a membership leaflet which contains an application form.
Membership Office
Trust HQ
Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 2JY
01305 255419
We also have an Easy Read membership leaflet, which includes a membership application form.
Frequently asked questions about membership
How do I join?
You can sign-up online via the Membership page of the Trust’s website, by emailing foundation@dchft.nhs.uk, or by calling 01305 255419.
How much does it cost?
All Membership and Members’ Events are free.
How much time will I need to give?
We recognise that not all our members wish to take an active role in membership. We value all our members, whether you wish to attend events at the hospital or simply receive our newsletter to keep up to date. There is no time commitment required.
How will my personal details be used?
The Trust will only use the information you supply to contact you in relation to membership. Your details will be stored on a secure database. If you supply your email address we will send you two newsletters and two e-bulletins a year, plus occasional emails regarding members’ events or local health-related matters that may be of interest. If you only supply your postal address, we will simply mail you two newsletters a year. We will only share your information with those directly connected to membership – such as the company who print and mail our newsletters – and we will never sell or share your data with other third parties.
What are the benefits?
As a member of Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust you will receive regular newsletters and e-bulletins, as well as invitations to Members’ Events at the hospital. You will have access to a range of discounts only usually available to NHS staff (further details are available on the Trust’s website). Members can vote for Governors in their constituency to represent their views, or can choose to stand for election as a Governor. Membership also provides you with the chance to provide feedback to the hospital and is a means of showing your support for the Trust.