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Here you will find the answer to some of the most commonly asked questions.
If your question is not answered here you can download a copy of every question we have been asked during the consultation process and the answers we gave by clicking here. We will update this every week so please check back regularly to see the latest questions and answers.
- Why do we need NHS Foundation Trusts?
- How are NHS Foundation Trusts regulated?
- Are Foundation Trusts a means to privatisation?
- What difference will it make to me if the ambulance service becomes a Foundation Trust?
- Will being a member take up a lot of time?
- What sort of people become Governors?
- Is it the right time to apply to become a Foundation Trust in the current economic climate?
- How can I find out more?
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.
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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.
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No. Foundation Trusts are required in law to use their assets to promote their primary purpose of providing NHS care to NHS patients – free care based on need, not ability to pay.
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You can share your views about the way in which the South Western Ambulance Service 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.
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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.
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The most important thing you will need to be 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 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.
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In order to apply for Foundation Trust status, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust prepared a five year business plan, which demonstrates our financially viability and sustainability. This will be thoroughly tested by Monitor.
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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. Click here to find out how to contact the Foundation Trust Team.
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