• More than 6 million people across England will have greater say in way healthcare is provided in local communities
• To achieve foundation trust status, trusts must prove they are well-led
• Care Quality Commission uses its inspection process to judge quality of care provided by trusts meets the standard expected

Monitor announces the authorisation of two NHS trusts to foundation trust status effective from 1 April 2016 - Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust and Sussex Community NHS Trust. These decisions mean there are now 155 NHS foundation trusts in total, more than 60% of all trusts in England’s NHS. The trusts will now be able to give patients, staff and the public the chance to become members or governors with a formal say over how their trusts are run and shaping services to match the needs of local people.

Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, said:

“This is great news for both trusts and it’s good to see more community trusts being given Foundation Trust status. Despite the financial and operational challenges facing NHS providers, foundation status remains highly relevant and something for trusts to aspire towards.

These trusts, like all who apply for FT status, have worked incredibly hard to satisfy the tough authorisation criteria

“Today’s news underlines the importance of the foundation model and the pillars that lie at its heart: greater autonomy for those who have responsibility for delivering healthcare; making them directly accountable to their local communities; and creating stronger governance and assurance. This status is therefore more than a sign on the front door – it is about removing trusts from direct ministerial control and strengthening their accountability to local people."

Read full press statement