CHESHIRE and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust is seeking the public's views on its plans to become a foundation trust.

It is also recruiting members of the public, service users and carers to join the prospective new organisation.

As a foundation trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership would have members including local people, service users, carers, staff and stakeholders.

Members have a say in how the trust operates and will elect governors to advise the board of directors on service issues as well as on the appointment of the chairman and the non-executive directors.

David Eva, trust chairman, said: 'Foundation Trust status will enable us to better develop convenient, tailored services which respond to the needs of our population and offer individuals choice.

'It will also provide us with the opportunity to strengthen and widen the involvement of members of the public, stakeholders, service users and carers in all aspects of our work.'

You can have your say on the trust's plans by responding to its public consultation document available from www.cwpnt.nhs.uk

To find out more about becoming a member, or any aspects of foundation trust status, look at the trust's website or telephone its freephone number 0800 085