THE trust that runs Okehampton and Moretonhampstead hospitals has signed up its 2,000th member, as it steps up its bid to become an NHS Foundation Trust.

Kate Tuckwell was the 2,000th person to join up with the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. The trust is calling on people from the Okehampton area to follow in her footsteps and support the campaign.

The trust manages 17 community hospitals in Mid, North and East Devon and community health and social care services across the area. Membership is free and enables the public to help shape the future of local NHS services.

Kate, a former computer programmer whose eyesight has been saved by trust surgeons, said: 'It's our trust and the more we can do to affect how it works, the better. It can't be anything but a good thing.

'I will try to be as active a member as I can, as I do owe them a debt.'

The trust employs more than 4,500 staff and provides NHS services for over half the population of Devon. It plans to become an NHS Foundation Trust in 2013, when it would be more accountable to the local community through its membership and council of governors.

Lindsay Stanbury, membership manager for the trust, said: 'Our member recruitment drive has really taken off in recent weeks and we are delighted to welcome Kate as our 2,000th member.

'But we still need more members for our application to become an NHS Foundation Trust to be successful.

'As a member you can have more of a say and make a real difference to the way we operate and develop our services, in the Okehampton area and beyond.

'You can do as much or as little as you want. You may want to just receive information every now and again, or you may want to attend focus groups or stand as a governor.'

Anyone over the age of 16 who lives in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset or Dorset, is eligible to be a member.

To join, complete the application form at http://www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk/ft">www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk/ft or call the membership office on 01271 313971.