Foundation status joy as Trust given more freedom

The organisation will be an NHS Foundation Trust and goes under a new name - Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

It says it will benefit from freedom from central government control with the ability to decide how to improve services and the power to retain any surpluses generated to invest in new services.

It will also have the ability to borrow money to support investments and accountability to the local communities, with local people becoming members and governors.

Chief executive Dr Gillian Fairfield said: “This is fantastic news for the trust. To be authorised, we have gone through a rigorous process and our success is a real testament to all the hard work, dedication and commitment of our staff. Our thanks go to them and also to our partners who have helped in this application.

“We have proved that we can provide services that are second-to-none and now look forward to entering the next exciting phase of our development as a Foundation Trust.”

Trust chairman Mad-eleine Keyworth added: “As an NHS Foundation Trust we can now ensure through our members and governors that users, carers and staff drive the direction of the Trust.”