MP Backs NHS Trust’s Bid for Foundation Status

North East Herts MP Oliver Heald has backed plans for one of the County’s main health service providers to become an NHS Foundation Trust.

Last year the Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Trust, which provides mental health and learning disability services, announced its application for Foundation status. The main reasons for the move are:

• to improve the involvement of service users, carers and residents in the Trust’s development and 

• to give the Trust greater financial stability, and better access to funding for new services and facilities.

People in the catchment area of Foundation Trusts are encouraged to register as Trust Members, so that they can be included in consultations about the future development of services – and given a chance to have their say. 

Over 1,500 residents have already registered as Members of the Hertfordshire Partnership Trust, allowing them to take part in the recent election of the Trust’s Governors. To register Hertfordshire residents (aged over 14) can call (01727) 897459, e-mail foundation@hpt.nhs.uk or visit the members’ area at www.hpt.nhs.uk

Commenting, Oliver Heald said, “Foundation Trusts will be more responsive to local needs, and less dependent on Whitehall. I would encourage my constituents in North East Hertfordshire to take up the opportunities to get involved provided by membership of the Hertfordshire Partnership Trust”.