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West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust bids to become a Foundation Trust

23Jun2011

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is calling for local people to get more involved in the shaping of local hospital services by backing its bid to become a Foundation Trust and sign up to become a Member of the Trust.

Foundation Trusts are organisations established to pass decision-making from central government control to local organisations and communities. They are still firmly a part of the NHS but:

  • have greater freedom to make decisions quickly based on local needs and evidence

  • have greater freedom over how to spend money

  • are accountable to the community – who as members can have a greater say about the running of their hospitals

  • are regulated by an independent Regulator Monitor

Chief Executive Jan Filochowski said: “We have made significant improvements in how we deliver services and these are now embedded in the way we do business and will continue. However, we also have exciting plans for the future of which becoming a Foundation Trust is an important part.

“This move marks yet another step towards providing first class services for patients, by ensuring that decisions about hospital services are made locally and continually reflect the needs of the people of west Hertfordshire.”

Jan continued: “For the first time local people will be able to become members of our Trust and have the opportunity to join a democratically elected body that will have real power to

shape local hospital services. We really want to put the people of west Hertfordshire firmly at the centre of all that we do and we are encouraging as many people as possible to become members.”

Members will elect a governing body that will ensure the Trust is responsive to the needs of the people it serves.

For more information on the Trust’s Foundation Trust application or to sign up as a Member please:

  • visit www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/ft * email foundation.trust@whht.nhs.uk

  • telephone 01923 436280

  • write to Foundation Trust Office, Trust Offices, Watford General Hospital, Vicarage Road, Watford, Herts WD18 60H