30.10.14
Monitor authorises three new foundation trusts
Monitor has authorised foundation trust status for three new organisations, taking the total to 149 and representing more than 60% of all trusts in England.
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust in the north west of England and Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust have also become the first two community health trusts to achieve foundation trust status in England.
Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust (RUH Bath) was also given the status, which is effective from 1 November 2014.
After undergoing a rigorous assessment process, the trusts will now be able to give patients, staff and the public the chance to become members or governors with a formal say over how their trusts are run. The trusts will also have more freedom to shape services that match the needs of local people.
To achieve foundation trust status, the trusts had to prove they were well-led. And the independent Care Quality Commission also used its new inspection approach to judge that the quality of care provided by the trusts met the standard expected.
As foundation trusts they will be free from central government control and able to decide how to improve their services; able to retain any surpluses they generate to invest in new services, and borrow money to support these investments; and will be accountable to their local communities, with local people as members and governors.
Miranda Carter, executive director of provider appraisal at Monitor, said: “We are pleased to announce the creation of these new foundation trusts. Millions of patients could now have a greater say over their healthcare and the new foundation trusts will have greater freedom to provide services that meet the needs of local people.”
Responding to the new status news, RUH Bath chief executive James Scott said it was a momentous day for the hospital, its patients and the community the trust serves.
“Achieving NHS foundation trust status is recognition of the high-quality services and safe care that the hospital provides and the dedication its staff give 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he added.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]