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Monitor has yesterday confirmed that Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is no longer in significant breach of its Authorisation. The Trust was found in significant breach in July 2010 due to a failure to comply with its general duty to exercise functions effectively, efficiently and economically, and its governance duty. Monitor uses the term governance to describe the overall effectiveness of a foundation trust’s leadership.

When a Trust is facing significant financial problems and governance is not at the required standard, this can threaten the long-term stability of a Trust, so it’s important for patients that they are fixed. When a Trust is well run with sound finances, its Board can focus on making sure the Trust is delivering high quality patient care.

Since being found in significant breach the Trust has been under close scrutiny from Monitor and required to report formally to us on their progress. During this time the Trust has substantially improved its financial position and is forecasting a surplus for 2011/12. The Trust has also addressed its governance issues, and an independent review concluded that the trust has stronger leadership at Board level and Non-Executive Directors are providing more effective challenge.

Richard Guest, Director at Monitor, said:
"Recovering from a challenging financial position is always difficult for a trust and requires a real effort from its Board and staff. Since being found to have breached its terms of authorisation, Poole Hospital has significantly improved its finances and strengthened its Board. As a result, the Trust is now in a stronger position to focus on delivering quality services for patients. This is the ultimate objective whenever we take regulatory action, and we are pleased to confirm that Poole Hospital has addressed our concerns."

Notes

1. For further information please contact Michael Moruzzi: michael.moruzzi@monitor-nhsft.gov.uk or 020 7340 2438
2. Monitor was established in January 2004. It is independent of government and accountable to Parliament. Monitor’s functions and powers are set out in the National Health Service Act 2006.
3. When a trust is authorised as an NHS foundation trust by Monitor it is required to comply with the terms of its Authorisation. These are published on Monitor’s website.
4. The intensity of our monitoring and the specific requirements we place on boards of foundation trusts reflect the risk of an actual or potential breach of an NHS foundation trust’s terms of authorisation.
5. More information about how Monitor regulates foundation trusts is available here: http://www.monitor-nhsft.gov.uk/home/about-monitor/how-we-do-it/how-moni...
6. Monitor was established in January 2004. It is independent of government and accountable to Parliament. Monitor’s functions and powers are set out in the National Health Service Act 2006.
7. Monitor is now on Twitter - follow us @MonitorUpdate