Here you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about NHS Foundation Trusts and South Western Ambulance Service's NHS Foundation Trust status.
They are part of the government's plan for creating a patient-led NHS. The aim of these reforms is to provide high quality care, which is responsive to patients' needs and wishes, in the most efficient way. The health service employs over a million people in hundreds of locations nationwide and Foundation Trusts are helping to ensure that services are shaped by local communities and NHS professionals on the ground, rather than central government.
As with all other NHS organisations, Foundation Trusts are inspected against national standards by the Care Quality Commission which produces an annual performance rating for each Trust. The independent regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts, Monitor, receives copies of inspection reports and, in the event of any failings, decides what action is needed.
Monitor ensures that all Foundation Trusts are compliant with the terms of their authorisation. Their role is to give Foundation Trusts the freedom they need to meet local needs, while safeguarding the interests of the public. Normally, Monitor will have no need to intervene. However, it does have the power to step in if a Foundation Trust finds itself in difficulty or breaches the terms of its authorisation.
No. Foundation Trusts are required in law to use their assets to promote their primary purpose of providing NHS care to NHS patients - free case based on need, not ability to pay.
You can share your views about the way in which South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is run and we will consult directly with you on our future plans. In doing so, you can help us to help you by continually striving to improve our services. Decisions will be made locally based on the views of staff and local communities.
In agreement with our commissioners we will be able to re-invest funds back into the development of local services.
It is completely up to you how actively involved you become as a member. You might simply want to receive regular information about the Trust, but you will also have the opportunity to give your views on relevant issues, for governors to act on.
The most important thing you will need to become a governor is enthusiasm for the role, rather than any specific skills or knowledge. As well as representing your own views, you should be willing to represent the views of the people in your community. You will also need the time to communicate with your constituents and to prepare for and attend several meetings each year.
Click here to go to our Finding Out More page, which contains links to other websites, such as Monitor and the Care Quality Commission, and to our newsletters and leaflets.
