Sue Slipman, Director of the Foundation Trust Network said:
“The authorisation of the first wave of mental health foundation trusts is great news.
“It marks a new era for mental health which, for the first time, will have its funding put on a more secure footing through legally binding contracts with commissioners.
“Mental health trusts will now be able to use the foundation trust freedoms to build on their track record of innovative partnerships with other sectors to deliver the best possible mental health care.
“Today’s announcement also marks a new era for the foundation trust movement, which will benefit from mental health’s long tradition of giving users a real say over how services are developed and delivered.
“This new cohort brings the number of foundation trusts to 35. We believe there now needs to be much greater momentum in the foundation trust preparation programme, with clear support for aspirant trusts. The Foundation Trust Network will do all it can to share the learning from those who have already been through the process to ensure as many trusts as possible can benefit from foundation trust status.”
The Foundation Trust Network, which is hosted by the NHS Confederation, represents all 32 existing foundation trusts as well as 40 NHS trusts preparing for foundation status. It was established in June 2004 to represent the views of foundation trusts, influence health policy and share learning and good practice.
For more information visit:
http://www.foundationtrustnetwork.org