05 May 2006
The first three mental health foundation trusts were launched this week following authorisation from regulator Monitor.
From May 1, Oxleas Foundation Trust, South Essex Partnership Foundation Trust and South Staffordshire Healthcare Foundation Trust joined 32 acute foundations. A further mental health applicant, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Trust, deferred its application while it completed negotiations with commissioners and addressed financial controls and financial management.
The latest round of authorisations was due a month ago but was delayed following problems with the payment by results tariff. Six acute and specialist trusts will learn whether their applications have been successful on June 1 and another 15 two months later.
Monitor chair William Moyes said that foundation trust status would enable mental health trusts 'to further develop services, taking advantage of the freedoms that foundation trust status provides'.
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