Whittington Hospital foundation trust application delayed

The Whittington Hospital’s application to become a Foundation Trust, which required making a saving of £4.8million by March, has been delayed, the chief executive has announced.

The move for hospitals to become Foundation Trusts is part of the Coalition’s plan to save money and put care in the hands of local organisations rather than the central government.

The Whittington’s application to become a Foundation Trust has been a driving force behind the board’s decision to sell-off almost half of the hospital buildings, which would bring money in.

Chief executive of the Whittington, Dr. Yi Mien Koh made the announcement on Tuesday (February 26) following meetings with the NHS Trust Development Authority.

She said that they were instructed to carry out more work to their proposal, which details how they are planning to make the savings, over the next few months to ensure that the application will be accepted.

Shirley Franklin of the Defend the Whittington coalition, who is spearheading the campaign, said: “It’s important not to get bogged down with the detail.

“I think It’s terribly important to stay with th issues of beds, building and jobs.

“We welcome any improvements but not at the expense of what a hospital is.

“A hospital has to have beds and staff to meet our surgical needs and what is making people anxious is that the hospital is being decimated.”