Foundation trusts are a new type of NHS organisation, called a 'Public Benefit Corporation' that answer directly to local communities. It means YOU can have a greater say in what we do.
Foundation trusts remain part of the NHS and will continue to follow the principles and standards of the NHS - for example, not charging people for their care, not being run for profit, and being subject to regular inspection.
The difference is that foundation trusts are able to work more closely with communities to develop services in the way that best suits their needs and also have greater financial freedoms.
Foundation trusts have members from their local communities - put simply, anyone interested in what the Trust does - who elect representatives to act as governors.
The governors work with our trust's board of directors to agree the future plans of the organisation. The governors also have the right to appoint the trust's chairperson and non-executive directors.
For more information regarding our plans for the future, read our Annual Plan 2008/09.
For more information about foundation trusts, please follow the links below:
