Patients & the public

Benefits to Patients

• NHS Foundation Trusts will be able to improve relevant care for their patients because they have been set free from central government control.
• Crucially, NHS Foundation Trusts will have the freedom to decide locally the capital investment needed in order to improve their services and increase their capacity.
• They will be able to borrow in order to support this investment, as long as they can afford it, without needing to seek external approval.
• NHS Foundation Trusts will establish stronger connections between local hospitals and their local communities. Those living in communities served by a hospital of an NHS Foundation Trust will be invited to become a member. Members will be able to stand and vote in elections for Governors of the NHS Foundation Trust. This form of public ownership and accountability will ensure that hospital services more accurately reflect the needs and expectations of local people.
• The public will still experience healthcare according to core NHS principles – free care, based on need and not ability to pay.