NHS Confederation: Foundation Trust Network responds to Monitor’s Annual report

Commenting on Monitor’s Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08 published today, Sue Slipman, director of the Foundation Trust Network which represents the vast majority of foundation trusts, said:

“Monitor’s annual report demonstrates the achievement and progress of the foundation trust model. Foundation trusts are leading the way in looking out to their local communities; greater accountability and new governance arrangements, combined with greater financial freedoms, are helping trusts deliver new and innovative services designed to meet the needs of the patients

“The Foundation Trust Network agrees that speeding up the authorisations is important so that more patients can benefit from the improvements FT status delivers as soon as possible. However, in doing so it is critical that the authorisation process remains as robust and challenging as ever.”

“Foundation trusts have come a long way. There is strong evidence that they are using their financial freedoms to freedoms to reinvest surpluses in ways that will improve patient services, and building partnerships to develop their corporate and governance expertise*. Around one million members have been recruited, and more than 2000 governors elected, and now over 100 foundation trusts authorised. We know trusts are working closely with governors and members to address local priorities, and build a culture where patient and public involvement is at the heart of their work.”


Notes to editors

1. The Foundation Trust Network represents existing foundation trusts as well as acute and mental health trusts preparing for foundation status. It was established in June 2004 to represent the views of foundation trusts, to influence health policy and to share learning and good practice. The Network is hosted by the NHS Confederation.

2. *The Foundation Trust Network report A powerful partnership showcases seven of the 14 partnerships that have developed between FTs and FTSE companies since the FT/FTSE link project was launched by Tony Blair in June 2006. It aims to bring together foundation trusts and FTSE 100 companies in mutually beneficial partnerships. In the first phase seven pilot links were established and the project was then expanded in early 2007. As a result, there are 14 links in place, all at various stages of development The Foundation Trust Network’s role has been to support foundation trusts to analyse what they are asking a private sector partner to supply, to engage FTSE companies in the programme and match the skill sets they can offer with foundation trusts stated needs.

3. The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.

4. Contact Media Relations Officer Ruth Kennedy on 020 7074 3312 or 07884 473086. For out of hours media enquiries, please call the Duty Press Officer on 07880 500726.


Ruth Kennedy
Media Relations Officer
DDI: 020 7074 3312
Mobile: 07884 473 086

www.nhsconfed.org


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