Health trust in bid for foundation status (From Borehamwood Times)

Health trust in bid for foundation status

8:30am Monday 29th September 2008

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The health trust that runs Watford General Hospital has unveiled plans to apply to become a foundation trust.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust will carry out a 12-week consultation process, giving residents the chance to help shape its future services and discuss the possibility of foundation trust status.

A foundation trust has greater financial freedom to make decisions, but is still part of the NHS. It is also accountable to the community who, as members, have a greater voice on issues concerning hospitals.

The trust would be regulated by foundation trust watchdog, Monitor, instead of the Healthcare Commission.

The consultation started on Monday and will end on Tuesday, December 16.

Watford General Hospital, in Vicarage Road, caters for one-third of Hertsmere patients.

The Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation trust, the region’s mental health trust, was the first trust in Hertfordshire to be given foundation trust status in August last year.

Chief executive, Jan Filochowski, said: “We have made significant improvements in how we deliver services and these are now firmly embedded in the way we do business. We have exciting plans for the future. Becoming a foundation trust is an important part of those plans.

“Decisions about hospital services will be made locally and will reflect the needs of the people of west Hertfordshire.”

The trust is asking residents to apply to become foundation trust members.

Mr Filochowski added: “For the first time local people will be able to become members of our trust and have the opportunity to stand as governors and be democratically elected to a seat on the board of governors.

“We put the people of west Hertfordshire firmly at the centre of all we do and we are encouraging as many people as possible to become members.”

Councillor Brenda Bat-ten, Hertsmere Borough Council’s portfolio holder for health, said: “Any communication is always good and I think it is a bit lacking in the NHS. For residents to have a chance to be more involved in the decision-making as members could be an important step.

“I think more transparency about how services are run and money is spent is essential to look at the way the trust works and to improve its practices.”

Residents can read the consultation document and give feedback by visiting westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/ftor email foundation.trust@whht.nhs.uk, call 08444 776 321, or write to Foundation Trust Office, Freepost NAT2520, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 4BR.

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