South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust including St Luke's Hospital, Huddersfield, wins foundation bid

May 12 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The Trust will now be accountable to the local community through its membership and to Parliament – instead of the Department of Health.

So far, more than 11,000 local people have joined the Trust as members, along with more than 2,000 Trust staff.

The new status means the organisation will also have a new name, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Local people will be represented by a Council of 39 elected and appointed members.

The Members’ Council will play an important role in influencing key decisions affecting the organisation.

The Trust first applied for foundation status in April 2007.

The previously cash-strapped organisation – founded in 2002 – restructured its services to help balance its books, making it secure enough to be considered for foundation status.

To find out more about the Trust or how to become a member visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk or telephone 01924 327567.