RCN concern over Foundation Trust secrecy
Published: 12 May 2010
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today (27 April) said it was concerned over the ‘closed door culture’ of some NHS Foundation Trusts, as a new report shows that some Trusts are failing to live up to their promise to involve staff and patients in decisions about how the Trust is run.
An RCN survey of nurses working at Foundation Trusts (FTs) across England found that nearly half (49%) reported that most or all board meetings are held behind closed doors. At a time when the NHS is under pressure to work towards delivering £15 - £20 billion of ‘savings’ over the next three years, it is essential that Trusts are open and honest with staff and the public about the difficult decisions that are being made.
The findings detailed in the new report - New Foundations: the Future of NHS Trust Providers - also reveal that nearly half (47%) of the nurses surveyed did not feel that being a member of their Foundation Trust made any difference to how it is run, indicating a failure to engage with members, one of the cornerstones on which Foundation Trusts are based.
Less than half (46%) reported that decisions reached at board meetings were communicated back to members and staff. A third (34%) said that there were no regular mechanisms for the Trust’s membership to give feedback to the board through processes such as surveys or facilitated events.
Since 2004, the policy has been for all NHS Trusts to work towards foundation status. While Foundation Trusts have greater freedoms than other NHS Trusts, they are built on the principle that they are both responsive and accountable to the local population which they serve.
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said:
“Today’s report contains some alarming findings that suggest Foundation Trusts are not living up to their promise to provide an opportunity to engage staff and patients in a meaningful way. This paints a picture that is markedly different to the rosy portrait of Foundation Trusts as the accountable, responsive organisations to which other health providers should aspire.
“Our report is timely as there are still many Trusts aspiring to join the 129 which already have foundation status. The vision was for these organisations to involve patients and staff in key decisions, but at the moment this is not happening.
“Nurses do understand that there are occasions when some board discussions may need to be held behind closed doors, but with potential job cuts and pay freezes looming on the horizon, healthcare staff and patients will understandably be concerned about the lack of transparency.
“At a time when the NHS is under unprecedented pressure to make efficiency savings, it is vital that Foundation Trust bosses listen to their members, and in particular the frontline workers. Nurses play a crucial role in innovating services which will help to save money in the long-run – at the moment their potential is simply not being harnessed.”
-Ends-
Notes to editors
The snap-shot survey was conducted with 393 RCN members who work for Foundation Trusts. The sample was representative of the spread of RCN members across the 10 English regions. The survey was online between 1st – 28th February 2010.
For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Press Office on 02076473633.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.