West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is delighted to announce that Monitor, the regulator of NHS foundation trusts, has authorised the Service to become an NHS Foundation Trust.
WMAS has been working towards being authorised for nearly two years and has now met all of the challenging criteria required by Monitor.
The Trust is the fifth ambulance service (of eleven) to achieve NHS Foundation Trust status and becomes the 145th NHS Foundation Trust of all types (acute, mental health, ambulance, community).
Anthony Marsh, WMAS Chief Executive, said: “Our staff have invested a huge amount of time improving still further, the clinical care to patients within the Region.
“The success of our application means we have met the relevant quality thresholds. Monitor is assured that our Trust is ‘well governed’ and ‘financially viable’. This stands us in good stead to invest in the future to enhance services locally.”
The Trust has already established a directly-elected Members’ Council consisting of 15 public and five staff governors together with appointed representatives from nine partner organisations.
The Members’ Council is working closely with the Trust Board to drive forward strategic planning for the benefit of patients.
Trust Chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum, added: “Achieving NHS foundation trust status will ensure the Trust is even more responsive to the needs of patients.”
If you would like to become a member of West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, simply call 01384 241 411 or email foundationtrust@wmas.nhs.uk
Membership details are also available at: www.wmas.nhs.uk