WIREDGOV

Monitor announces that foundation trust applications by Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership and Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trusts have been deferred for up to six and 12 months respectively. The regulator is concerned that the trusts have not yet demonstrated that they meet specific thresholds for authorisation.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) identified several areas of concern potentially impacting on the quality and safety of the services provided at Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust. These were highlighted by the four outstanding CQC compliance actions and  means the CQC will be re-inspecting the hospital. Monitor will not authorise trusts without this assurance from the CQC.

Dudley and Walsall has been deferred for a short period to enable it to continue the important work it is already doing on strengthen their quality governance capabilities.

As a result the total number of foundation trust within England remains at 145, of which 42 are mental health trusts.

Notes to editors

1. For further media enquiries please contact Nick Burke, Media Relations Officer,  on 020 7430 2348 or emma.shepherd@monitor-nhsft.gov.uk
2. 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.
3. Follow Monitor on Twitter @MonitorUpdate
4. Gaining foundation trust status enables Trusts to 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 can borrow money to support these investments; and accountable to their local communities, with local people as members and governors.
5. More information about our authorisation process can be found here.