Getting to foundation trust statusWhat does Whittington Health have to do to become a foundation trust? Whittington Hospital NHS Trust (as the trading organisation) has to apply for a licence to operate as a foundation trust. To fulfil the criteria to apply, we have to prepare a five-year plan about how we are going to improve and grow our services for our local communities and beyond. We need to put a strong case forward showing that: Another condition of our application is that we need to consult widely with patients, service users, the public, our staff, local authorities, partnership organisations and our wider communities. This ensures that local people get an opportunity to comment on our plans in becoming a foundation trust and feedback on how we plan to operate and deliver our services. We consulted in our catchment area between 1 November 2011 to 29 February 2012. We are currently compiling a post-consultation report detailing the findings. Why did we want to consult you on these foundation trust plans? We wanted the opinions, concerns, feedback and interest from the communities we serve so that we can get the strategy and direction of our organisation right, thanks to your local voice. The foundation trust plans are not set in stone and they will be shaped again from the results of this consultation round.  The Tripartite Formal Agreement (TFA) confirms the commitments being made by The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, NHS London (SHA) and the Department of Health (DH) that will enable achievement of NHS Foundation Trust (FT) status before April 2014. Specifically the TFA confirms the date when the Whittington will submit its “FT ready” application to DH to begin its formal assessment towards achievement of FT status.The objective of the TFA is to identify the key strategic and operational issues facing the Whittington and the actions required to address these. The Trust Board and the North Central London Cluster (lead commissioners) have confirmed their support of the process and time scales set out in the milestones. The agreement also covers the key milestones that will need to be achieved to enable the FT application to be submitted. To read the full document please (click here.)  To read our Progress Report please (click here) |
