The Government has announced that high-performing NHS Trusts will be given more independence to deliver faster, better and more personalised care.
The new designation will "reward the very best leaders in the NHS" with greater freedom to make decisions locally - from how services are organised to how money is spent - so that care can be designed around what works best for local people, and not dictated from Whitehall.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: "Good leadership in the NHS has never mattered more. Under our plans, if Trusts manage their finances well, innovate and deliver for patients, we will give them the space to lead. These reforms mark a fundamental shift from command and control to collaboration and confidence. For the first time in years, the NHS can look forward with confidence rather than back in frustration. Because we’ve got a plan that’s not just ambitious and realistic - we’ve got a plan that is working, and that is why the NHS is on the road to recovery."
This government has given all Trusts more independence and freedom, but the new ‘Advanced Foundation Trust’ designation will grant extra autonomy to local leaders who met a high bar of assessment.
NHS England has nominated 8 of the highest-performing Trusts to become the first Advanced Foundation Trusts, who will be among those eligible to be considered based on their record of delivering quality care, strong finances and effective partnerships with staff and local services. These Trusts will then be assessed by an independent panel.
Trusts that can prove they deliver good services and have sound finances will be able to spend any money they’ve saved since last year on new equipment, buildings and improving patient care. If the amount Trusts want to invest is less than £100 million, the level of paperwork will be vastly reduced.
In return for greater autonomy and financial flexibility, the Trusts will be expected to:
- deliver faster improvements in patient care, waiting times and productivity
- work closely with staff and commissioners
- help drive positive change across the wider NHS
Trusts granted this status will also need to demonstrate they are implementing the 3 big shifts of the 10 Year Health Plan - from sickness to prevention, hospital to community, and analogue to digital. They will be independently reviewed at least every 5 years to maintain the highest standards and encourage continuous improvement.
Some Trusts may also take on integrated healthcare organisation contracts, giving them control of the local health budget and responsibility for improving population health. This will support a shift in resources from hospitals to neighbourhood and community-based care.
The Trusts nominated for assessment are:
- Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust
- Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
- Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
- Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust
- Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust
