HC Deb 03 July 2002 vol 388 cc442-3W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date the first NHS foundation hospitals will be identified. [61443]

Mr. Lammy

The first wave of foundation trusts will be selected from among the cohort of national health service acute trusts that achieve three-stars in the performance ratings to be published in July. At this time we will publish a prospectus setting out how NHS trusts can apply for foundation status and the criteria that will be used to assess applications. Decisions on the first NHS Foundation Trusts will be made in the autumn, although their establishment will be subject to legislation.