Dorset County Hospital is on the look out for new governors to help shape the future of local health services.

Elections are being held this year for the Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Council of Governors in several constituencies and the organisation is keen to hear from members interested in standing as candidates.

To nominate yourself you need to be a member of the Foundation Trust within the constituency you wish to stand. Elections are being held for public governors in Weymouth and Portland, West Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck and South Somerset.

There is also a vacancy for a staff governor, which is open to everyone who works for the Trust provided they are over 18.

To find out more about becoming a governor contact Trust secretary Margaret Godfrey on 01305 255419 or email margaret.godfrey@dchft.nhs.uk.

There will also be two drop-in information sessions on Friday, March 16, with the first at the trust headquarters in Bridport Road, Dorchester, from 11am to 1pm and the second at the hospital’s Children’s Centre in Damers Road from 4pm to 6pm.

The deadline for nominations is March 29, 2012. All members of the Trust will be receiving ballot papers next month and must return them by May 11, 2012.

If you are not already a member of Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and would like to join so you can vote in the elections or stand for election, visit www.dchft.nhs.uk/ foundation/index.html or call 0870 707 1549.