Alder Hey Children's Hospital, West Derby, Liverpool _320
LIVERPOOL’S Alder Hey hospital will become free of central Government control from today as the trust receives foundation status.
The new title means the trust will have more freedom in deciding how to spend its money and the hospital says patients will also be able to have more of an input.
Hospital chiefs say one area where this will be most significant is in the plans to develop a new Alder Hey, which will be known as the Children’s Hospital in the Park.
The Trust has received authorisation from the regulator for NHS foundation trusts and it follows an intensive period of assessment, together with the recruitment of more than 13,500 members and the election of a council of governors.
The Trust’s chief executive, Louise Shepherd, led the change in vision aims early into her appointment.
She said: “Achieving foundation trust status is the platform from which we will continue to build on Alder Hey’s great achievements.
“Becoming a foundation trust will allow us to develop even stronger links with children, families, carers and the communities that we serve so that they are at the heart of everything that we do. Crucially they, along with our staff, will have much greater involvement in shaping our future.
“This includes our exciting plans for building what is set to be the UK’s unique Children’s Hospital in the Park.
“This is a truly great achievement for Alder Hey and one of which everyone connected within the trust deserves to be proud.”
The trust will change its name to Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
Its chairwoman, Angela Jones, said: “This is a tremendous milestone for Alder Hey. Our staff are to be congratulated for their continued loyalty and dedication.
“We are already best in class across a number of areas, not least the achievement of the three-star/excellent rating by the Healthcare Commission for five consecutive years putting us in the top 4% of trusts nationally.
“Furthermore, we are indebted to our governors who have remained supportive and involved during the long period in ‘shadow’ form.”
Liverpool City Council leader Warren Bradley welcomed the news and said: “Alder Hey has a special place in the hearts of Liverpool people.
“Its new foundation trust status, is a great step forward for this world-class children’s hospital.”
