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Monitor authorises first NHS foundation trust under new patient-centred powers

Monitor has authorised Kingston Hospital NHS Trust as a foundation trust, effective from 1 May 2013.

This is the first foundation trust to be established under the regulator’s new powers to promote and protect patient’s interests. Monitor will regulate the Trust on its ability to be a well-led organisation that provides patients with quality care on a sustainable basis.

The decision means there are now 146 NHS foundation trusts, two thirds of all trusts in the NHS.

Kingston Hospital NHS will benefit from a variety of new freedoms. NHS foundation trusts are:

  • free from central government control and able to decide how to improve their services;
  • able to retain any surpluses they generate to invest in new services, and borrow money to support these investments;
  • accountable to their local communities, with local people as members and governors.

Miranda Carter, Executive Director of Assessment at Monitor, said:

"We assess trusts to ensure that they are able to deliver quality services for patients on a sustainable basis.

"The authorisation decision is a very positive development for the Trust, the trust can now focus on using its new freedoms to improve services for patients."

The new freedoms obtained by the Trust means it can better shape its healthcare services around local needs and priorities, in line with the requirements of its commissioners.

Notes to editors

  1. For media enquiries contact Nick Burke on 020 7340 2434 (nick.burke@monitor.gov.uk)
  2. Monitor authorises and regulates NHS foundation trusts ensuring they are well-managed and financially viable in order to deliver high quality health care for patients. More information about our authorisation process can be found here.
  3. Monitor is the sector regulator of NHS-funded health care services. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 its fundamental duty is to protect and promote the interests of people who use them. Information about Monitor’s new role can be found here
  4. Follow us on Twitter - @MonitorUpdate

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