HUDDERSFIELD people have the chance to have their say on a bid for hospital foundation status.

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust is calling on the public to go to its Open Space meeting tomorrow.

Health bosses want to listen to people's views on the bid for foundation trust status.

They also want to hear how people would like to see improvements at their hospitals.

A bid is being made for foundation trust status to start next April.

If the Government grants it, hospitals in Huddersfield and Calderdale will be given more independence from the NHS.

Prime Minister Tony Blair is going ahead with plans which could put the Royal Infirmary in the first wave of foundation hospitals, despite suffering defeat over the policy at this year's Labour Party annual conference.

Diane Whittingham, the trust's chief executive, said:

"The Open Space event is an opportunity for people to share their thoughts on their local hospitals, in order to help influence our final application for NHS foundation trust status and to help shape the future of our hospitals."

The event takes place from 10am to 3pm at the McAlpine Stadium.

Hospital bosses plan to submit their final application to the Government in December.

They expect to hear whether it has been successful by the end of January.

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