As South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SCAS) gears up to become a foundation trust, it is urging Hampshire residents to help drive it forward.

The service is hosting a consultation meeting next Thursday in their bid to recruit 20,000 trust members, who will have their say on what improvements need to be made.

Potential members will be able to enrol for free at the meeting at Southampton Solent University, in the Sir James Matthews Building and Conference Centre at 157-187 Above Bar Street, from 6.30pm.

Securing foundation trust status will mean the ambulance service will be free from direct Government control of its finances and management and will be more open and accountable to the community.

Will Hancock, SCAS chief executive, said: “We believe in becoming a foundation trust and need people’s help and participation as a member of the trust to ensure that we are able to improve facilities and services for all our patients now and into the future.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the foundation trust, call 01869 365000 or email getinvolved@scas.nhs.uk.