Health bid to keep 15,000 on board

Last week, York's bid to become a foundation trust was shelved as the trust failed to score the top three-stars in the Healthcare Commission's performance ratings.

While other trusts reportedly floundered and struggled to raise support, York Hospitals NHS Trust pulled in 15,000 applicants after a consultation exercise and a mail shot.

This is believed to be the third highest figure in the country.

Jim Easton, the trust's chief executive, said he wanted to harness the "enormous community support" to shape the future of the hospital.

He said: "We owe it to all our staff, patients and members of the public who have supported us to seek approval to go forward for foundation status at the earliest opportunity.

"In the meantime I will be seeking clarity and advice on the right level of involvement in conjunction with the Department of Health. I will then be making some proposals to the Board.

"The extraordinary level of support flooded in following the trust's public consultation exercise and media advertising.

"We needed to achieve a high level of representation through membership to become a foundation trust and we certainly achieved this - indeed we understand we have one of the highest registers of potential members."

Mr Easton previously told the Evening Press he had hoped for between 3,000 and 4,000 applicants.

Harrogate Healthcare Trust, which is pressing ahead with its application, has received 7,500 applications in three weeks.

In a foundation trust members contribute to the planning of services, help in the evaluation of performance and are able to stand for election as governors.

The Government created 12 foundation hospitals earlier this year and York had hoped to be included in the second wave, due to be established in October.

Mr Easton said the trust would seek approval to go forward to become a foundation trust at the next earliest opportunity.

Updated: 08:47 Thursday, July 29, 2004