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Applying to become a Foundation Trust |
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Written by FT Lead
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Thursday, 11 December 2008 12:35 |
NHS Foundation Trust status is open to acute, specialist, mental health and care Trusts. The Government is committed to all NHS Trusts being given the opportunity to apply for Foundation Trust status at the earliest opportunity. NHS Trusts work on their Foundation Trust application under the guidance of their Strategic Health Authority (SHA). A formal application will only come to the DH when the SHA is confident that a trust is ready.
There are three distinct phases:
PHASE 1: SHA /Trust Development Phase
Our SHA works with us to create a robust and credible Foundation Trust application. Activities include the reconsultation, a public consultation which lasts a minimum of 12 weeks, a post consultation when feedback is evaluated along with other key documents such as the Integrated Business Plan (IBP) and Long term Financial Model (LTFM). Our SHA will confirm to us when we are ready to move to the second phase. This is quite a lengthy process and can take up to and beyond six months. We are currently in the pre-consultation phase.
PHASE 2: Secretary of State Support Phase
When our SHA is satisfied we are ready, we can formally apply to the Secretary of State, with SHA full support. The final decision is made by the Secretary of State. This phase takes 3-4 weeks.
PHASE 3: Monitor Phase
DH advises Monitor (the independent regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts) of our application. We then formally apply to Monitor. Monitor then carry out its full authorisation process. This phase is about three months.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 10 July 2009 10:33 )
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Foundation Trust 
