NHFT selected in first wave for assessment as advanced foundation trust
- Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has announced plans to give more autonomy to local NHS leaders and systems
- Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) is one of eight trusts that will be among those assessed as part of the first wave of the Advanced Foundation Trust Programme
- If the assessment process is successful, NHFT will have more freedom to work with partners to plan and deliver health services for local communities
The Department of Health and Social Care has unveiled a transformative opportunity for NHS Trusts to take a central role in the next era of healthcare delivery.
As part of a decade-long renewal plan for the NHS, high-performing trusts are being invited to apply for Advanced Foundation Trust status; with the possibility of some also becoming Integrated Health Organisations (IHOs), a new contracting model designed to unify care across settings and improve population health outcomes.
An Integrated Health Organisation (IHO) contract is a contract that can be awarded by an integrated care board (ICB) to an eligible Advanced Foundation Trust to hold responsibility, and the associated health budget, for improving health for a defined population.
This new model will support the shift to community-based and preventative models of care, and savings from the delivery of high-quality and efficient care can be reinvested into better population health and patient care.
The first wave for these proposed Advanced Foundation Status trusts has been announced today, with NHFT the only organisation in the midlands going forward for this assessment. Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT), which is a provider of mental health, community care, specialist and secure healthcare services, welcomed this news.
Angela Hillery, NHFT CEO said: "It is pleasing to know that NHFT has been selected for the first wave opportunity and be in the pipeline for Advanced Foundation Trust Status. It is testament to the collective work and compassion of our staff who have been committed to working in collaboration and partnership for many years for our populations.
"Successfully meeting the standard will enable us to bring benefits into our partnerships and continue to strive together to improve outcomes for people."
NHS Northamptonshire ICB Chief Executive Toby Sanders said: "We welcome the recognition of NHFT as an advanced FT and the opportunity this presents for the ICB to work with the trust to improve delivery of integrated care across Northamptonshire.
"Being part of the first wave applicants means we now have a unique opportunity and if NHFT meet the criteria, Northamptonshire will be able to shape our future with greater autonomy, more flexibility, and a streamlined approach to planning and delivery.
"But most importantly, it will allow us to continue working with the drive and commitment that have brought us here; making a difference together, doing what's right for our communities and supporting each other in compassionate, collaborative ways. This achievement belongs to all of us."