Wanderers players sign for a new team

Star players from Bolton Wanderers Football Club have signed for a new team - the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, striker Gretar Steinsson, and even Lofty the Lion have become members of the Trust - joining thousands of people who have already signed up to help shape the future of the hospital.

The Royal Bolton Hospital became a Foundation Trust in 2008, which means it has more freedom from central government, allowing it to make decisions locally to improve services for patients. One of the most important factors in being a Foundation Trust is that the public has a greater say on how those services develop through the Royal Bolton 'membership' scheme.

All patients and every member of the public can become a member and give their views on services and how they should be developed, giving the hospital a vital steer on what the public wants when important decisions are being made.

Being a Foundation Trust has already allowed the Royal Bolton Hospital to invest £20 million in improving and expanding services for women, children and babies. The 'Making it Better' building programme is due for completion towards the end of 2011, which will make the hospital a specialist centre for maternity, paediatric and neonatal care.

Bolton Wanderers has strong links with its local hospital and the players often visit the children's wards to cheer up poorly children.

Jussi Jaaskelainen said: "As Bolton players, we are delighted to give our support to our local hospital. Lots of the players live locally and we never know when we might have to call on its services, so it is important to know what is happening."

Royal Bolton Governor and chair of the membership committee Jack Ramsay is leading the campaign to recruit more members. He said: "The membership scheme is vital. Being a member gives people a say when the hospital makes decisions and it is important that as many people sign up as possible so those views can be taken into account. We're very pleased that Bolton Wanderers players have shown us their support by signing up."

For more information on becoming a member and to sign up visit www.royalboltonhospital.nhs.uk or call the membership hotline on 0870 703 6352.

Photo's

Top - Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and striker Gretar Steinsson are now members of the Royal Bolton Hospital

Bottom - Lofty the Lion fills in his membership form