HUDDERSFIELD’S mental health service has been given permission to escape Government control.

South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust – which runs St Luke’s Hospital at Crosland Moor – has been granted foundation status.

The decision means the organisation will have more power to make decisions without Government control.

Local people will be invited to become members and have more say in how the Trust is run.

The Trust provides services in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield districts.

Chief executive Steven Michael said: “We are delighted that our bid to become a Foundation Trust has been successful.

“Our authorisation follows a thorough assessment by Monitor – the independent regulator – of all areas, including service development, safety, risk, finance and governance.

“Only the best NHS trusts in the country can gain foundation status. Our Trust has been able to demonstrate that we are performing well and that we have strong and sustainable plans for future developments that will truly benefit local people.

“We put our local communities’ knowledge, ideas and experiences at the heart of what we do and are looking forward to engaging with our members.

“Foundation Trust status is a badge that we can wear with pride as it will allow us greater independence and flexibility to respond to the needs of local people.”

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.