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NHS foundation trusts
NHS foundation trusts (often referred to as foundation hospitals) are at the cutting edge of the Government's commitment to the decentralisation of public services and the creation of a patient-led NHS. NHS foundation trusts are a new type of NHS trust in England. They have been created to devolve decision-making from central government control to local organisations and communities, so they are more responsive to the needs and wishes of their local people. The introduction of NHS foundation trusts represents a profound change in the history of the NHS and the way in which hospital services are managed and provided.
Latest updates
NHS foundation trust private patient income cap: call for evidence
The Department of Health has launched a call for written evidence to inform a review of the 'private patient income cap' for NHS Foundation Trusts. The call for evidence invites submissions until Thursday 31 December 2009.
Whole Health Community Diagnostic Programme
This programme was developed to test certain elements of the performance of acute trusts. Following the successful rollout to acute and specialist trusts, the programme was adapted for mental health trusts; materials for ambulance trusts are in preparation.
Authorised NHS foundation trusts
As at 1 February 2009 there are 126 NHS Foundation Trusts in operation across England
Additional links
Health Committee Report
Response to the Report into NHS Foundation Trusts and Monitor published on 17 October 2008
Membership Governance in NHS Foundation Trusts
An independent review on behalf of ministers, led by Mutuo and the University of Birmingham, into membership governance in NHS foundation trusts
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