NHS Foundation Trust Status
General knowledge:
Established under the National Health Service Act 2006, NHS foundation trusts give greater independence to NHS organisations whilst remaining a part of the NHS and subject to its standards.
NHS Foundation Trusts are free from the control of central government and from SHA performance management with the aim of allowing local organisations and communities to be more responsive to the wishes and the needs of the local people. The objective of establishing NHS Foundation Trusts is for better access to higher quality services for NHS patients and provides patients with increased choices. Local stakeholders, which could include NHS staff and patients, are given accountability and the opportunity to influence the stewardship of the organisation and its development.
