Western Sussex FT bid given go-ahead by health secretary

As a result, the trust can now proceed to assessment by Monitor.

The trust, which has a turnover of £350m, made its latest FT submission to the Department of Health on 1 October.

The trust is viewed as having made quick progress since its formation in April 2009 from the merger of the Royal West Sussex and Worthing and Southlands Hospitals trusts. However, it had intended to have completed the journey to FT status by now.

Its submission first went to the DH at the end of April 2011 with the hope of being passed to Monitor in July that year and gaining approval as an FT in December.

But it was asked to provide the DH with more assurance on its financial situation, waiting times performance and governance arrangements.

Performance improved significantly across all indicators following the setback.

Trust chief executive Marianne Griffiths said: “Winning the approval of the secretary of state is an important milestone on the road to becoming a foundation trust, but it is also a major vote of confidence in the quality and safety of care our hospitals provide.

“It is the hard work and excellence of our staff that has taken us this far.”