Now is the chance for people to have a say in shaping the future of the Royal Marsden Hospital.

The hospital is looking for four people to stand for its membership council in its April election.

"The Royal Marsden is one of the leading cancer centres in the country and we treat 40,000 patients ever year and by standing for election to become a membership councillor, you will be helping the hospital continue to treat more patients and ensure they continue to receive pioneering therapies and benefit from the latest research," said assistant director of human resources Samantha Greenhouse.

The council is made up of 21 elected councillors under the categories of the public, staff, patients and carers.

Councillors needed in this election are two people from the south west London patients' constituency, one from Kensington and Chelsea and one for the paediatric/adolescent patient group.

Members can nominate themselves or other members.

Nominations for candidates need to be in 19 March and voting will take place between 14 April and 2 May.

The hospital is also looking for members. Membership is free and members can choose how much they want to get involved.

They receive regular information about the trust and its work, and have the opportunity to attend events to hear more about hospital services, as well as voting for councillors to represent their views.

For more information about how to become a member or to stand as a councillor, contact the hospital office on freephone 0800 587 7673 or email rebecca.hudson@rmh.nhs.uk