WIREDGOV

Monitor, the independent regulator for NHS foundation trusts confirmed the following foundation trusts have been authorised from, 1 May 2008:

• Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust (formerly Essex Rivers NHS Trust)
• Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
• Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
• Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

The announcement means there are 96 NHS foundation trusts in total, of which 24 are mental health NHS foundation trusts.

Having achieved NHS foundation trust status these trusts will benefit from a variety of new freedoms:

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

Notes to editors

1. For media enquiries contact: Cathy Beveridge on 020 7340 2477.
   
2. Monitor authorises and regulates NHS foundation trusts ensuring they are well-managed and financially viable in order to deliver high quality healthcare for patients.
   
3. Monitor was established in January 2004. It is independent of government and accountable to Parliament. Monitor’s functions and powers are set out in the National Health Service Act 2006.