The Royal Marsden is one step closer to being among the trailblazers of the Government's controversial foundation hospital concept, after the Department of Health shortlisted it for further consideration.
The cancer-specialising NHS trust, which has a base in Belmont, is one of 29 bodies (out of 32) that have made it through to a second application stage to gain foundation status. It is now planning to consult with patients, public, staff and volunteers on its application, which will be decided upon this autumn.
Subject to the passage of the current Health and Social Care (Communities) Bill, the first tranche of foundations should be in place by next April.
They will be characterised by greater financial autonomy, relative independence from the Department of Health (DoH) and patient, public and staff involvement in management.
But critics have said foundation status would open up a two-tier health service in which the new trusts would be in a position to poach staff and divert resources away from other hospitals.
However, Marsden chief executive Cally Palmer said: "The Royal Marsden has been a leader in the field of cancer for 150 years and needs to continue to set the pace in research, treatment and care if it is to provide maximum benefit to the NHS."
May 30, 2003 11:00
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article