Stop South Tees NHS Privatisation

NHS Foundation Trusts are democratic. The principles behind NHS Foundation Trusts build on the sense of ownership many local people and staff feel for their hospital. NHS Foundation Trusts have unique governance arrangements and are accountable to local people, who can become members and governors. NHS Foundation Trusts strengthen local ownership of – and responsibility for – hospital and other health services. Major decisions are informed by active participation from members based in local communities.

This NHS Foundation Trust is accountable to its members though the Council of Governors. It has a duty to consult and involve the Council of Governors (comprising patients, staff, members of the public and partner organisations) in the strategic planning of the organisation, and major decisions are informed by active participation from members based in local communities.

All 8500 members of staff are automatically members of the Trust. Members of the local community, patients and carers can apply to become members. There are currently nearly 5000 public and patient members.

There has been no consultation with the Council of Governors. Members have been unaware of what has been happening until now – when the plan is about to be implemented. They have not had the opportunity to actively participate.

I don’t want this Trust to set up a private company so that it can indirectly employ staff on non-NHS terms and conditions. I see this move as damaging to the NHS. It is a step towards privatisation which I do not want the Trust to take.

Please sign this petition to support the call for the Trust to reverse its decision; and to not use a wholly-owned subsidiary company to employ staff as non-NHS.