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Hospital aims for big league

Whittington announces it wants to make bid for prized foundation status


Narendra Makanji
THE Whittington Hospital announced last night (Wednesday) that it is actively seeking foundation status under a government scheme for more cash and accountability.
Chairman of the hospital trust Narendra Makanji revealed senior officials will be “sounding out” staff about the prospect of becoming a foundation hospital.
It follows last week’s announcement by health secretary Patricia Hewitt that two star hospitals can apply for foundation status.
The Whittington got its second star for improved services early this year.
The decision to seek foundation status comes a year after Mr Makanji said he was worried that they could create a “free for all” in the NHS. He was concerned, he said, that foundation hospitals could compete unfairly and possibly poach staff from other hospitals.
Had he changed his mind on the issue?
“Well, obviously I’m keen on anything that is going to improve life at the Whittington,” he said. “But I’m very cautious about this and we will explore what it entails very carefully and slowly.
“In theory it will mean an ability to raise more cash for projects and create an entirely new, independent managing system. We need to find out what people think.”
Foundation status gives a hospital greater powers, for example, to keep surpluses and borrow from the private sector.
Camden Council’s health boss Councillor Maggie Cosin, whose Highgate ward includes the hospital, said: “I’m pleased the hospital is going for foundation status. It will give them much more financial autonomy and will bring in a members’ council.”
Both Islington and Camden councils will have the right to scrutinise the plans. Cllr Cosin added: “Don’t forget University College London has been a foundation hospital for more than a year and a half and I understand it is improving. “But I’m not speaking on behalf of the council’s executive because we have not yet discussed it.”
Foundation hospitals in the UK have been going for 18 months and includes Moorfields Eye Hospital.



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