Picture showing a QR Code that when scanned on a smart phone using a QR Code reader will allow access to the Trust's Foundation Trust Applicaiton web siteWest Herts Hospitals NHS Trust

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Foundation Trust Application

» Introduction

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust bids to become a Foundation Trust

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is inviting local people to get more involved in the shaping of hospital services and support its plans to apply for Foundation Trust status.

Foundation Trusts are a new type of organisation established to pass decision-making from central government control to local organisations. 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 have more of a voice on issues concerning the Trust
  • Are regulated by the independent corporate regulatory body, Monitor.
We have around 10,000 Members supporting our application to become a Foundation Trust - over 6,000 Public Members and just under 4,000 Staff Members (May 2010).

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

"Decisions about hospital services will be made locally and will reflect the needs of the people of west Hertfordshire."

Foundation Trusts serve people better by listening more to local people. 

Jan explained: "For the first time local people will be able to become Members of our Trust and have the opportunity to stand as Governors and be democratically elected to a seat on the Governing Council. We put the people of west Hertfordshire firmly at the centre of all we do and we are encouraging as many people as possible to become Members."

» How you can become a Member: