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In December 2003 the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act was passed, allowing the creation of the first NHS Foundation Trusts in April 2004. The government wanted to pass this legislation to allow high-performing three star trusts like the RD&E greater independence from the Department of Health in London, giving them the ability to manage their own budgets and shape healthcare services to better meet local needs and priorities.
The RD&E made a detailed application for NHS Foundation Trust status to Health Secretary in December 2003, which was approved. More recently the trust has applied to the new independent regulator for terms of authorisation to operate as an NHS Foundation Trust. Following a rigorous assessment process the trust became an NHS Foundation Trust on 1 April 2004, making it one of the first in the country to achieve this new status.
Why are NHS Foundation Trusts being set up?
The essence of being an NHS Foundation Trust is devolution. The government is devolving control because it says this will make us better able to respond to local needs and more accountable to our local communities including, most importantly, our patients and the public.
When a trust like the RD&E is granted NHS Foundation Trust status it becomes as independent, public interest organisation that is no longer subject to direction from the Health Secretary. As an NHS Foundation Trust the RD&E is accountable to the local community for the services we deliver, and to the independent regulator who ensures that we work within our terms of authorisation and our constitution.
Is the RD&E NHS Foundation Trust still part of the NHS?
Absolutely. The RD&E is still an NHS organisation and will always stand by the main principle that underpins the NHS, that of healthcare provided free at the point of delivery. It will continue to work within national frameworks and to national standards, though with much greater local autonomy for service development.
So what is different about being an NHS Foundation Trust?
Local people, patients and staff can become members of the RD&E NHS Foundation Trust and elect their representatives to the council of governors.
Organisations such as primary care trusts and local authorities also have representatives on the council of governors, but the majority of the governors are elected from among local people.
The council of governors works with the board of directors advising on forward plans and helping to develop the strategy for the NHSFT that best suits the needs of local people.
Introduction