What is a foundation trust and why are we aiming to become one?
NHS foundation trusts:
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provide healthcare according to NHS principles – free care based on need and not ability to pay;
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remain part of the NHS and set their own strategy for improving and developing services;
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have additional freedoms that give them more opportunity to develop services in line with local priorities; and
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are accountable to their local communities through members and governors, commissioners through contracts, Parliament and Monitor, Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts, as their regulator.
The increased financial flexibility associated with NHS foundation trust status will allow us to invest more in research, innovation and facilities that further our aim of providing the best and safest care. This will provide a strong incentive to our doctors and nurses – whose decisions have the biggest impact on the safety and quality of services and use of resources – to continue to improve efficiency and productivity in all that we do.
Membership – why we want you to join and how
Membership is a distinctive feature of NHS foundation trusts and creates a network of links between members of the public, staff and local stakeholders – the people who know and care most about our hospital.
As a public member of BSUH, you will:
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be informed about what we do;
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have a say on our future plans either through electing other members of the constituency in which you live to sit on the Council of Governors or by standing for election yourself;
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be invited to events that provide information relevant to your concerns and needs; and
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receive regular newsletters.
Remember membership is free. You must be at least 12 years of age and live in Kent, Surrey or Sussex to become a member.
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to know more then please contact us.
Email
ft@bsuh.nhs.uk or info@bsuh-ft.org.uk
Phone
01273 523000
More on this site
BSUH Council of Governors
BSUH Tri-partite Formal Agreement
