Yorkshire hospital health trust awarded elite foundation status

Airedale Hospital has been authorised as an NHS foundation trust effective from June 1.

The move will give the trust greater freedom to develop services for patients and more freedom from Government control.

Chief executive Adam Cairns said it was "outstanding news". More than 8,000 local people had become members of the trust, giving them a greater role in influencing the organisation.

"I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to help us succeed with this fantastic achievement and look forward to seeing the rewards that NHS foundation trust status can bring for staff, patients and the people we serve," he said.

"This is a crucial milestone. Becoming a foundation trust will give us greater influence and freedom to innovate and deliver healthcare most appropriate to our local circumstances, making us responsive to the needs of patients and therefore making patients more likely to choose to receive their services from us."

Under the new arrangements, the trust will be able to retain surpluses to invest in new services and can borrow money to support investments.

All NHS trusts are expected to become foundation organisations although some could take years to achieve it.