Two community trusts have been awarded foundation trust status for the first time, Monitor has confirmed.
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust in the north west of England, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust have been authorised as foundation trusts (FTs), starting in November.
In addition, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust has been authorised as a foundation trust, bringing the total number of FTs in England to 149.
Two community trusts have been awarded foundation trust status for the first time, Monitor has confirmed.
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust in the north west of England, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust have been authorised as foundation trusts (FTs), starting in November.
In addition, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust has been authorised as a foundation trust, bringing the total number of FTs in England to 149.
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.
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.
"The authorisation of trusts which provide healthcare in the community is proof that foundation trust status is attainable by all types of health care organisation."
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.
– Accountable to their local communities, with local people as members and governors.
