Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Foundation Trusts?
NHS Foundation Trusts remain part of the NHS and provide services to patients on the basis of need and not ability to pay. However, they are set free, to a certain extent, from central government control. Their key distinguishing features are:

• Freedom to decide locally how to meet their obligations

• Accountable to local people, who can become members and seek election to the Council of Governors

• Authorised and monitored by Monitor - Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts.

Does this mean the Trust will be privatised?
Absolutely not, the care NHS Foundation Trusts provide to NHS patients will continue to be delivered on the basis of need not ability to pay and will be free at the point of use.

NHS Foundation Trusts are legally required to use the assets they hold in ways that promote their primary purpose of providing NHS care to NHS patients. They are bound by a legal duty to work in co-operation with others to improve the quality of healthcare throughout the NHS.

How will local people become more involved in the running of the Trust?
NHS Foundation Trusts are democratic. Local people and service users from outside the area have the chance to become members and these members will elect their representatives to serve on the membership council. They have an absolute majority. The membership council holds the Trust Board to account, electing the Chair and Non-Executive members of the Board, and approving the appointment of the Chief Executive.

Can I become a Member?
All staff will automatically be members unless they decide to opt out. All members of the public over the age of 14 can become a member by downloading a membership form from this site or contacting our FT office, details on this site.

Can I become a Governor?
Almost anyone over the age of 18 can become a Governor, if elected within their constituency. There are a number of restrictions to becoming a governor which are detailed in our draft constitution. Those interested can contact our FT office and we will be please to advise if you are eligible, firstly though you must be a member.

When do you plan to become an FT?
 Our current plans are to build up our Membership this year and to achieve Foundation status next year.  Where people such as yourself express an interest in joining us as a Member, we want to work with you in the coming year as if we were already a Foundation Hospital.  This will help us to find out what Members want in respect of information and involvement and ensure that we increase our local accountability to you, the public and the patients we serve.  We have a lot to achieve before that date, and we need the support of our local population, partners and the Strategic Health Authority.