Described by the NHS as ‘a marker of excellence for high-performing NHS trusts’, advanced foundation trust status will give frontline NHS leaders more freedoms to make decisions locally, to improve services for communities.  

Passing the assessment will enable us to benefit from a streamlined and strategic approach to annual planning, a capability-based approach to oversight and targeted financial flexibilities allowing us to direct surpluses from day-to-day spending towards future capital projects. 

Inclusion in this early wave recognises that, as well as meeting the eligibility criteria, we have demonstrated consistent high performance. 

To secure advanced foundation trust status, we will be working closely with NHS England to demonstrate how we meet the assessment criteria.  

The Advanced Foundation Trust Programme is part of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, which sets out the vision of reinvigorating and reinventing the foundation trust model for the modern integrated health system. The ambition of the programme is that all NHS providers will achieve advanced foundation trust status by 2035. 

Chief Executive Salman Desai said: “It’s a proud moment to be included in the programme so early as it reflects the positive position the organisation is in. This is thanks to the ongoing contribution of our entire team of 8,000 staff and volunteers at NWAS, who are all committed to doing their best for the people of the North West every day. 

“We’re looking forward to working with NHS England colleagues as we progress with the assessment.”