What are NHS Foundation Trusts?
NHS Foundation Trusts are membership organisations and are run differently.
Through their members and an elected Council of Governors, they are better able to listen and respond to the views of staff, patients and local people. They remain firmly part of the NHS, but have greater freedom from central Government control.
Foundation Trusts also have to meet national quality standards and are inspected in the
same way as other hospitals.
What advantages are there to becoming a Foundation Trust?
They provide a form of public ownership so local people and staff have a real stake in developing services which reflect their needs and expectations, making them more accountable to communities they serve. They have greater financial freedom and are able to keep and invest any money they generate in new services, equipment and buildings. They don’t need to get agreement from other organisations like the Department of Heath to change and improve their services, so they can be more innovative in the services they provide and make decisions more quickly.
Why are you applying for Foundation Trust status now?
As part of the Government’s drive to increase local accountability, all NHS Trusts are expected to apply for Foundation Trust status by 2010. But to apply for Foundation Trust status existing trusts must be able to show that they can provide high standards of care and manage their own affairs effectively.
We believe we are in the right shape to bid for Foundation Trust status now. We are ready to put exciting plans in place to improve patient care and being a Foundation Trust will help us to do this. We have one of the lowest mortality rates in Surrey, and have significantly reduced the time patients referred for treatment by their GP have to wait, and 98 per cent of patients attending our accident and emergency department are seen within 4 hours. Our finances have moved from a deficit of £7.6m in 2005-06 to a surplus of £5.5m for 2007/08.
As a Foundation Trust are you still part of the NHS or will you be privatised?
Foundation Trusts remain part of the NHS and share all the same values – delivering care and treatment based on need and not the ability to pay. There are strict limits on the amount of private treatment Foundation Trusts can offer.
Will you make changes to the way you run the organisation if you become a Foundation Trust?
Yes, Foundation Trusts are run differently. Local people and staff are invited to be members. Membership gives people the right to vote for the Council of Governors who will work with the Board of Directors to set the strategic direction of the organisation.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation, as now. The Council of Governors will represent the views of local people and will be responsible for appointing the Chair and Non-executive Directors and the Board of Directors. The Council of Governors will also work with the Board of Directors on the strategic direction of the organisation and hold it to account for the decisions it takes.
Who can become a member?
You can become a member if you are over 14 years old and live in one of the nine geographical areas called constituencies that we cover, these are: Elmbridge, Guildford (Lovelace and Send Wards), London Borough of Hounslow, Richmond-upon-Thames, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Windsor and Maidenhead (Sunningdale, Wraysbury and Horton), Woking.
All staff will automatically be opted in as members but can opt out if they wish.
Is there a limit to the number of members?
No, there isn’t a limit to the number of members but we do need a minimum number of members (an average of 50 for each constituency) to reflect the views of each constituency, which is why it is so important that people register an interest in becoming a member. We also want to make sure that our membership is socially inclusive and accessible to everyone.
How do I become a member – do I have to pay?
If you would like to become a member either fill in the application form in this document consultation document, or complete it on line at: www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/foundationtrust or contact us on 01932 723850 and we will send you a form by post. Membership is completely free.
What will I have to do as a member?
You can be involved as much or as little as you like. All members will be kept up-to-date about developments and events at Ashford and St. Peter’s. You will have the opportunity to take part in consultations on services, and join focus groups if you would like to, or you can just receive information from us through our regular newsletter.
Who can become a governor?
Anyone who is a member can stand as a governor and you can nominate yourself. You would need to provide an election statement and a declaration of interests and a candidate’s declaration to make sure you are eligible to stand.
What would I have to do as a governor, how much influence would I really have?
As a governor you would have a real opportunity to shape our future. Although you would not be involved in the day to day running of the Trust at an operational level, as part of the Council of Governors you would advise the Board of Directors in representing the views of your local community.
Do governors receive a salary?
No; governors do not receive a salary but they are reimbursed for reasonable expenses for travel etc.
What will happen to the current non-executive members of the Trust’s Board?
Continuity will be important so they will remain on the Trust Board to serve the remainder of their tenure. The Council of Governors will then elect a new non-executive membership. Non-executive Directors will need to live in one of the nine constituencies.
Who will oversee your performance?
The Healthcare Commission which is responsible for inspecting the quality and safety of services provided by NHS organisations will continue to monitor our performance and will produce a report on us each year. In addition, an organisation called Monitor, which oversees the activities of all Foundation Trusts, will make sure we are run effectively as an organisation. Monitor has the powers to intervene in the running of a Foundation Trusts if there are failings in healthcare standards or other activities which breach its terms of authorisation.
|
Foundation Trust 
