THE FUTURE of the NHS on the Isle of Wight is to be consulted on.
The Isle of Wight NHS trust has launched a consultation on plans to become an NHS Foundation Trust, which it claims will improve services and increase public involvement.
As a foundation trust, it would remain part of the NHS and must continue to meet national care standards.
Concerns have been raised previously that unless it becomes a foundation trust, some services could be moved off the Island.
It would have the financial freedom to generate and retain surplus cash for re-investment and make decisions about capital investment.
The plans include the integration of health ans social care with the local authority and other organisations.
There will be an opportunity for Islanders to get involved by becoming a member of the trust. The proposals include targets for public membership of 4,000 people by April 2014 and 6,000 by April 2017.
The foundation trust would include a board 21 governors, the majority being members of the public, with others including volunteers and staff.
The board would have a say in appointing and agreeing pay for the trust’s chairman and non-executive directors, represent members views about the future of the trust and appoint external auditors.
Foundation trust programme director Mark Price said: "The governor’s role does not include managing the day-to-day business of the trust.
"This responsibility remains with the executives who ensure the council of governors is fully involved in the future plans of the trust."
He said other committees, made up of governors and trust members were likely to be established to deal with specific areas of the trust’s work.
Public meetings are to be held for the plans to be discussed. They will be held at the Riverside Centre on October 29 at 7pm, Medina Theatre on November 20 at midday and at the Riverside Centre again on December 17 at 7pm.
The consultation document can be viewed at www.iow.nhs.uk/ft and comments are requested by January 11, 2013.
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk