Becoming a Foundation Trust

We believe that becoming an NHS Foundation Trust is the right thing for Portsmouth Hospitals and for the local community.  It will ensure that the best interests of the local community are taken into account when designing and delivering services.  Even though we have decided to withdraw the application, becoming a Foundation Trust is still at the forefront of the Trust's agenda.

As an NHS Foundation Trust we will be able to secure real benefits for local people in three key areas:

1) Be accountable to local people

Patients, carers, members of the public and staff will be able to have more say in how hospital services are provided and influence the way services are developed in the future.  

2) More flexibility to provide good services to local people

At the moment our local flexibility is limited because we are accountable through the Strategic Health Authority to the Department of Health. There are many decisions we cannot make locally without seeking central authorisation. However, as an NHS Foundation Trust we will have more freedom to make our own decisions without delay, making sure we respond to local priorities. Instead of being directly accountable to the Department of Health, we will be answerable to our members and their elected representatives.

3) Have greater financial freedom

As an NHS Foundation Trust we will have greater financial freedoms and will not be so limited by current NHS restrictions.  We will be able to raise finance more quickly and will have greater flexibility over the management of cash.  These freedoms will enable the Trust to respond to service developments in a planned and timely manner and to reinvest any surplus for the benefit of patients.