Matthew Hopkins: What is a foundation trust and what are the benefits?
Many local people took their chance to grill experts about the future of Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals at meetings held in May and November 2011.
May 2011
At two public meetings, held on 16 and 18 May, patients, visitors, local councillors and members of charities which support the hospitals, all had the chance to quiz key members of the Transaction Board - the special board set up by our strategic health authority NHS London - about what the future might hold for their hospitals.
The panel, who answered a range of questions, comprised Matthew Hopkins, the Trust's Chief Executive, Transaction Board Chair Jan Sawkins, Transaction Director Jon Sargeant, and the man ultimately charged with achieving foundation trust status for our hospitals: Senior Responsible Owner Andrew Woodhead.
Speaking after the meeting, Jan Sawkins said: "The number of people at these meetings really brings home just how important our hospitals are to the local community, and how much people care about their future.
Andrew Woodhead: Why can't the Trust become a foundation trust? and The way forward
"We are determined to find the best possible outcome for both Epsom and St Helier hospitals, and to involving and communicating our work as much as possible to local people, community groups, patients and staff. I would urge local people to take an active interest and help secure the best deal for our hospitals.
"As well as holding our own events, we are more than happy to come and talk at other town hall meetings, residents' events and other public forums - we would encourage people to get in touch.
"I hope those who came to these meetings found them useful: it's also really helpful for us to get a better understanding of the concerns, anxieties and questions members of the public have."
Local people were reassured that they would have a part to play, too. Importantly, members of the public will be able to shape the criteria that the Transaction Board will use to evaluate the bids, and further public meetings are planned for June.
Matthew Hopkins: What about the Epsom and St Helier hospital redevelopment plans? Will Trust services change?
People were also informed that Epsom and St Helier hospitals are likely to demerge, leaving both of them to remerge with other NHS trusts.
During the meeting, Matthew outlined the benefits of foundation trusts, whilst Andrew and Jon explained why the Trust cannot apply to become a foundation trust in its own right and the progress the Transaction Board has made so far - including deciding that any bid to merge with the Trust's hospitals must be led by an NHS organisation, and asking for 'expressions of interest' from possible partners.
November 2011
In November 2011, two further public meetings took place.
Jan Sawkins: Involving patients and local people
Email chairft@esth.nhs.uk or contact the Trust's communications and corporate affairs team to request a speaker at an event.
