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The Board of health sector regulator Monitor has reaffirmed that it will not grant foundation trust status to any further NHS trusts until it receives robust assurance from the Care Quality Commission that applicants are providing a good quality of care for patients.

For acute NHS trusts, the CQC has already launched its new inspection regime. However, for other NHS trusts (who form the majority of NHS trusts going through the assessment process), the CQC will be developing its methodology over the autumn, and plans to pilot a new inspection approach in the new year.

Monitor has been working with the CQC, and the NHS Trust Development Authority (which has responsibility for NHS trusts) to minimise the effect of this on trusts which are in the process of applying for foundation trust status.

We have ensured that:

·         Applicant trusts closest to entering the application process, or already in it, are put forward to be prioritised for an updated CQC inspection;

·         An inspection approach for non-acute trusts is developed as soon as possible; and

·         We can continue working with applicant trusts during this time. 

For applicants currently with Monitor for assessment as an interim measure we have decided to split the assessment work into two phases.  The first phase of work will focus on areas that will be most beneficial to applicants in term of early identification of issues: assuming a successful outcome of phase 1 the applicant can move to the second phase once the CQC inspection has been satisfactorily completed

Miranda Carter, Executive Director of Assessment at Monitor said:

“We know that these changes to the assessment system are difficult, particularly for trusts currently going through the process. But the public expects us to be sure that trusts are ready for foundation trust status from a quality of care and financial perspective.

“We’ve worked closely with our partners at the CQC and the NHS TDA to try and limit any delay, and are continuing to work with aspirant trusts.”

Notes to Editors

·         For further information please contact Phil Groves, Head of News, 020 3747 0800 or press.office@monitor.gov.uk

·         There are 17 trusts currently in the pipeline. In addition to acute trusts, potential applicants include ambulance, mental health and community trusts.

·         Monitor is the sector regulator of NHS-funded health care services. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 its main duty is to protect and promote the interests of people who use them. Information about Monitor’s role can be found here.

·         Follow Monitor on twitter @MonitorUpdate