The NHS Trust behind Watford General Hospital has applied for Foundation Trust status.

Foundation Trusts are a new type of organisation that passes decision making processes from central government to local organisations.

They are still part of the NHS but have greater freedom to make quicker decisions based on local need and evidence; have greater freedom about how to spend money; are accountable to the community, who as members of the Trust have a bigger voice on key issues; and are regulated by the independent corporate regulatory body, Monitor.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is now holding a series of consultation sessions, whereby residents will be encouraged to have their say about the proposals.

Chief Executive Jan Filochowski said: “We have made significant improvements in how we deliver services and these are now embedded firmly in the way that we do business. We have exciting plans for the future of which becoming a Foundation Trust is an important part.

“Decisions about hospital services will be made locally and will reflect the needs of the people of west Hertfordshire.”

A 12-week consultation began yesterday and will run to the week of December 16, and residents are also asked to become Foundation Trust members.

Mr Filochowski added: “For the first time local people will be able to become Members of our Trust and have the opportunity to stand as Governors and be democratically elected to a seat on the Board of Governors.

"We put the people of west Hertfordshire firmly at the centre of all we do and we are encouraging as many people as possible to become Members.”

To see the consultation document, visit www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/ft, email foundation.trust@whht.nhs.uk, telephone 08444 776321 or write to Foundation Trust Office, FREEPOST NAT2520, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 4BR.

Consultation evenings in Watford will take place at Beechen Grove Baptist Church, Clarendon Road, on Friday, October 3 at 2.30pm; and on Tuesday, October 28, at 6.30pm.

A session will also be held in Rickmansworth, at the Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, on Friday, October 31, at 2pm.