FOR the first time, a health body is staging its AGM out in the community – but Times Territory residents are still going to have to travel to Stevenage if they want to attend.

The East and North Herts NHS Trust ususally holds its annual review at the Lister Hospital.

But, due to the event’s “growing popularity”, the trust is this year branching out – to John Henry Newman School, just around the corner from the Stevenage hospital.

Those attending the meeting, next Wednesday, September 15, will be able to visit numerous display stands set up by staff teams to demonstrate their work, as well as be taken through the trust’s operational, financial and clinical performance for the 12 months to March 2010.

Chief executive Nick Carver said: “This year, we’re expecting around 250 people to come along to our AGM, which means the time was right to move it out in to the community.

“We were delighted when one of our local schools, John Henry Newman in Stevenage, agreed to allow us to use their school’s facilities.

“This change of venue reflects how the trust itself is building ever closer links as more and more people sign up to become members as we move towards NHS foundation trust status.”

Mr Carver added: “Every year those who attend our AGMs tell us they learn a great deal about the trust and the work of our staff.

“But it is the clinical presentations that draw the most comment – and with our new CyberKnife radiotherapy treatment and home renal dialysis service on this year’s agenda, we don’t expect that to change.”

The meeting starts at 6.30pm at the school, in Hitchin Road.

Places must be booked in advance. Email ftmembership.enh-tr@nhs.net for more information.