AIREDALE Hospital is launching a search for public governors.

The NHS foundation trust which runs the Steeton site says a number of places are available.

There are seats up for grabs in Central and East Keighley, Keighley West, Pendle East and Colne, 'Rest of England' and West Craven.

Trust bosses are urging people to consider standing for election when nominations open on Tuesday, April 3.

Governors, who are elected by trust members, act as a link between the hospital's board of directors and the public.

There are currently 22, of which 14 are public governors, each representing a particular geographical area.

Four members are staff governors and the remainder represent partner organisations, such as local authorities.

Trust chairman, Andrew Gold, said: "We welcome interest from committed members who want to put themselves forward to be a governor.

"Governors have an important role, both holding the board to account and through their engagement with the public to ensure Airedale continues to serve the needs of the local population."

Governors are involved in a wide range of work.

In the past year, they have taken part in open days and other events.

Recently they attended a workshop hosted by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership.

The event highlighted the work of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts.

Governors also hosted information stalls in the outpatients department to gauge views about the hospital, and attended a maternity unit open day.

And there are plans, in partnership with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, to stage an event focussing on eating disorders. It will take place at the hospital on Thursday, April 19, from 4pm to 6pm.

Jerry Stanford, lead governor at the trust, said the role of the public governor was invaluable.

He added: "As the momentum of change within the NHS increases, so does the importance of the public governor.

"It is vital that the public voice is heard and we need strong representatives from the districts to put themselves forward to join our enthusiastic and busy governor team.”

For more details, visit airedale-trust.nhs.uk/about-us/council-of-governors-and-foundation-trust/governor-information.

Alternatively, contact company secretary Jane Downes on jane.downes@anhst.nhs.uk or 01535 294815.