A SUFFOLK hospital trust has expressed an interest to the Department of Health in becoming one of the Government's new foundation hospitals.The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs units in Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury, has made the approach after re-gaining its three star status as one of the best in the country earlier this year.

A SUFFOLK hospital trust has expressed an interest to the Department of Health in becoming one of the Government's new foundation hospitals.

The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs units in Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury, has made the approach after re-gaining its three star status as one of the best in the country earlier this year.

Bosses say becoming an NHS Foundation Trust would enable the trust to become more accountable to the local community with members of staff and local people being directly involved in developing hospital services and facilities.

The trust is now studying in more detail the benefits this will bring to patients, staff and the community.

A spokesman said the trust is currently awaiting a decision from the Department of Health as to whether it will be given the go ahead to proceed to the next stage of the application process. This decision will be considered at the trust's monthly public board meeting on 31 October.

If the decision is made to go ahead, the trust will undertake extensive consultation with staff, patients and members of the public.

John Parkes, chief executive of the trust said: “NHS Foundation Trust status presents many freedoms and opportunities that are not currently available to us and puts patients, staff and local people right at the heart of decision making.

“However, it is not a decision to be taken lightly and the trust board will give careful consideration to the real benefits for our patients, staff and the local population before deciding whether or not the time is right for us to take the next step.”