‘No evidence’ available on foundation hospitals
The government cannot tell how well foundation hospitals are doing because there is a lack of data available as to their performance, MPs have said.
The scarcity of data is so severe today’s report by the Health Committee called on the government to re-evaluate the way NHS foundation trusts (FTs) operate.
The report also criticised the government over interventions into the affairs of foundation trust and primary care trusts (PCTs) and ill-judged reforms to them.
Kevin Bacon MP believes foundation trusts can play an important role but said “the benefits they bring to local communities can only be realised with effective strategic planning and greater support from PCTs”.
“We are disappointed that the government did not do more prior to the establishment of foundation trusts to ensure PCTs were adequately prepared” he added.
The report also recommended the Department of Health (DoH) ensure PCTs were are to carry out the strategic planning role required of them and instigate a rigorous evaluation of the FT governance system.
