Published on: 24th September 2005
Monitor has praised the performance of the first NHS foundation trusts in establishing themselves as well-run autonomous organisations delivering high standards of patient care. The assessment follows Monitor’s review of the annual plans of NHS Foundation Trusts for 2005/06.
William Moyes, Chairman of Monitor, commented:
''The Boards of the first foundation trusts have shown that they are adapting well to their new status. As part of the annual plan process Boards have to declare to us that they are able to deliver national targets and standards of healthcare and they have clearly assessed this carefully. This has been matched by an increasingly effective focus on financial management which is essential to operate successfully as a foundation trust.''
Monitor’s review of the annual plans, published today, notes that:
The aggregate position for foundation trusts shows a forecast £6m surplus for 2005/06, compared with an aggregate deficit of £37m for 2004/05 (see note 2);
30 of the first 31 NHS foundation trusts have certified that they have adequate plans to meet all national healthcare standards and targets. In several cases Boards have indicated that certain targets such as cancer waiting times and MRSA will be particularly challenging, and they are working hard to ensure any operational problems will be overcome; and
The aggregate borrowing limit for NHS foundation trusts is £1,446 million; however they are forecasting that only £84million will be used in 2005/06.
William Moyes, added:
''This first round of annual plans provides clear evidence of foundation trust status leading to improvements for patients. With tighter financial discipline and improved governance and management skills, foundation trusts are well placed to use their freedoms even more innovatively in 2006 to improve quality and delivery further.''
Notes:
The document “Annual plan review: summary findings” is attached with this release or available on Monitor’s website www.monitor-nhsft.gov.uk
The full report and consolidated accounts for NHS Foundation Trusts for 2004/05 will be laid before Parliament and published in October 2005.
The forward plan for each NHS Foundation Trust has been published on the public register on Monitor’s website, www.monitor-nhsft.gov.uk
There are currently 32 NHS foundation trusts. Rotherham was authorised as an NHS foundation trust from 1 June 2005 and so was not required to submit a separate annual plan for 05/06.
For further information: Stephen Humphreys, Director of Communications, 020 7340 2440