HC Deb 17 June 2004 vol 422 c1112W
Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what audit and performance evaluation of first wave foundation trusts is and their impact on local health services, including neighbouring trusts, will be conducted before(a) foundation status is reaffirmed and (b) the rolling out of further foundation trusts. [179116]

Mr. Hutton

An independent review of national health service foundation trusts (NHSFTs) is to be undertaken by the Healthcare Commission. The terms of reference for the review are currently being developed.

We expect to make an announcement about the timing of the review and its terms of reference and about the timing of the next wave of NHSFT authorisations, wave 2, shortly.