Watchdog praise is a shot in arm (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Watchdog praise is a shot in arm

4:20am Saturday 7th June 2008 in Local By Claire Lomax

NHS foundation trust governors are making local accountability in the NHS a reality, according to new research.

A survey of foundation trust governors across the country found the majority are clear about their role, have good relationships with their executive board and are using their statutory powers to make a difference.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust emerged from the survey, commissioned by Monitor, the independent regulator of foundation trusts, as one of the best in the country for its engagement with governors.

Governors have a statutory duty to oversee foundation trusts' audit, appointments, pay, membership and business planning.

In Bradford, governors have been fulfilling all these statutory duties, as well as supporting developments through working groups.

Their role includes being consulted on the trust's annual plan for 2008/09 and submitting a declaration to independent health watchdog, the Healthcare Commission as part of the annual health check.

They have re-appointed the trust's chairman David Richardson and two non-executive directors, increased membership of the foundation trust to make it more representative of the community and are organising the trust's annual meeting and open event on Wednesday, September 17, at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Mr Richardson, chairman of the foundation trust, said: "As an organisation which is at the heart of the local community we take great pride in being named as one of the NHS's best-performing in engaging with it.

"It is an important endorsement of the approach we take in ensuring that the community we serve has a real say in shaping the patient care and an opportunity to contribute to our future success.

"As well as a teaching organisation, we are also a listening one and the views of our governors and members play a key role in taking forward improvements to the way that hospital services are developed and delivered.

"This is a platform on which we are determined to build, and enhance our services further, in the future."

Monitor's executive chairman, Bill Moyes, said: "We are encouraged by the picture emerging from this research.

"Foundation trusts are the most significant step yet towards a devolved healthcare system and governors are integral to achieving this goal. It is clear from our research that many NHS foundation trust governors are making a difference at the trusts they serve.

"The legislation that created foundation trusts provides governors with genuine powers. It is therefore important that governors are using these powers effectively and that is why we intend to produce more specific guidance for governors in this area.

"In the modern NHS, foundation trusts can use their governors to ensure patients and the public are at the heart of their future plans. There is evidence that this is already beginning to happen, but there is potential to do more."