NHS Foundation Trusts and accountability - some evidence

One of the legacies of Tony Blair will be foundation hospitals (FTs). They appear to be here to stay too.

A key characteristic of FTs is the governance structure which creates accountability to patients, staff and communities. The example of the co-operative movement served as a model. (Its worth adding that FTs remain not-for-profits and are not a form of privatisation - contrary to what their opponents say.)

Recent research suggests that these structures are working. (It’s a pity that my local FT appeared to lose my membership details for best part of a year. Hopefully I am isolated exception.)

The FT model (and the example of the co-operative movement) is worth applying elsewhere in public services.