Voting is now open to decide on the elected public representatives for Accord, a new community membership body for North East Lincolnshire that lets members have a say in how NHS money is spent. Accord was launched last month by North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus (CTP) to offer members the chance to shape health and social care services now and in the future.  

From now up until 7^th August, Accord members will be able to vote for elected public representatives to sit on one of four decision making groups. The public representatives will be responsible for putting forward to the groups the hopes and concerns of their community.  Once elected, they will hold a unique position in British health and social care by having involvement in spending a major budget and representing the needs and concerns of the community.  

Accord members will be receiving a letter with details of all the candidates in their commissioning groups and are being encouraged to use their votes and make a difference.  Accord members can vote by internet, telephone, SMS (text) or post. 

Jeremy Baskett, Assistant Director Community Involvement and Engagement said: “The launch of Accord has been well received by the community and we’ve already had nearly 2000 people join as members.  These members can now vote to decide who will be their public representative and sit on the decision making board. 

“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t already joined to become a member.  They won’t be able to vote this time around but can still be involved shaping local health and social care spending, as well as voting in elections next year.  By becoming a member they’ll also be able to claim NHS discounts on everything from holidays to sports equipment.”  

North East Lincolnshire is committed to giving the public a say on how NHS money is spent. If you would like to get involved please contact: W: http://accord.nelctp.nhs.ukE: accord@nelctp.nhs.ukTel: 0800 731 0319