Monitor
Printable version E-mail this to a friend

Monitor urges faster progress for NHS foundation trusts

Foundation trust status has begun to change the attitudes, focus and priorities of NHS boards, says a report published recently. Monitor, the independent regulator of NHS foundation trusts, comments on the impact of foundation trust status in its Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08.

Introducing the report, Executive Chairman, William Moyes, said:

“The process of becoming a foundation trust strengthens the ability of an organisation to understand the pressures facing it and tackle them effectively. This will prove vital in meeting the challenging agenda facing the NHS”.

The report outlines Monitor’s progress in its three core areas of activity:

  • the operation of a proportionate, risk based regulatory regime for NHS foundation trusts;
  • assessing applicants for NHS foundation trust status; and
  • developing the capabilities of NHS foundation trusts (through programmes such as the introduction and promotion of service line management).

The report highlights the regulatory issues that Monitor has dealt with during the last year and progress so far in authorising acute and mental health NHS trusts as foundation trusts.

During 2007-08, a further 30 NHS foundation trusts were authorised. With the authorisation of the 100th foundation trust this month, the total now stands at 103. The report also highlights the frustration felt by Monitor at the current pace of authorisation and the regulator’s desire to see more good quality applicants enter the system.

Dr Moyes commented: “There are real benefits for patients in accelerating the programme of authorisation - I hope this will happen in the year ahead.”


Notes

  1. For media enquiries contact: Anna Jefferson on 020 7340 2442
  2. Monitor’s Annual Report and Accounts 2007-08 is available to download from the publications section of our website: http://www.monitor-nhsft.gov.uk/publications.php?id=1152
  3. Monitor authorises and regulates NHS foundation trusts ensuring they are well-managed and financially strong in order to deliver high quality healthcare for patients.
  4. 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.

Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story