An NHS Foundation Trust is a form of what is called a ‘public benefit corporation’ - this means the organisation exists solely for the benefit of its patients, but operates in a similar way to a commercial business.
NHS Foundation Trusts:
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Remain part of the NHS and committed to NHS principles of free care based on need and not ability to pay,
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Are able to set their own strategy for improving and developing services in line with local needs and priorities,
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Enjoy new financial freedoms that allow them to borrow and use surplus cash to invest in new services, equipment and innovations,
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Have a membership made up of local people and Trust staff who have decided they want to play a part in the future of the organisation,
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Have a Council of Governors made up of elected representatives of the membership and appointed representatives of other local stakeholders, whose role is to work with the Foundation Trust's Board of Directors to agree the future plans of the organisation, and
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Are subject to less central government control - instead, they have a new regulator, Monitor, to ensure they meet the required standards of service, financial control and governance.
Most importantly, NHS Foundation Trusts offer far more opportunities for patients and members of the public to get involved in their running and ensure their local healthcare organisations are truly responsive to their local healthcare needs.
Western Sussex Hospitals are applying for Foundation Trust status because we believe a future as this kind of organisation will make us better able to deliver the high quality services local people need and best allow us to place our vision and values at the centre of everything we do.
