What is a Foundation Trust ?
Foundation Trusts are a new type of NHS organisation, set up as independent, not for profit, public benefit corporations. As a Foundation Trust, Poole Hospital isl still firmly part of the NHS – offering NHS services free of charge to NHS patients when they need them, just as it does now.
Foundation Trusts have greater freedom to develop services in the way that suits local communities and our staff. They can decide how to spend their money, borrow capital, generate income, re-invest any surplus cash on developing new services and own their assets.
What difference will it make ?
The big difference is that local communities, patients and staff have much more say in developing Poole Hospital. For example, local people and staff have the chance to become members of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
The members then elect a Council of Governors, which will help to ensure that the hospital offers services local people want and need.
Becoming a member is a bit like belonging to a mutual or friendly society. It doesn’t cost anything and members decide for themselves how involved they want to be – from just receiving regular information, for example, to putting themselves forward to become a member representative.
See How you can help and Becoming a Member section or complete the online form: Register of Interest and Member Registration Form
For further information please contact the Membership Manager
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