APPENDIX G
Proposal to become a University Foundation Trust
Introduction
It is a key strategic aim of the Trust to become a University Trust linked to Bournemouth
University. This was clearly set out in our public consultation application to become a
Foundation Trust. This was also part of our successful application to Monitor for Foundation
Trust authorisation. It has been a continuing aim in our Annual Plans for both 2008/9 and
2009/10.
In the NHS it has been only Trusts (mainly Acute General Hospitals) linked to Medical Schools
which have University status. We believe this status and opportunity should not be restricted to
General Hospitals or Trusts just linked to Medical Schools. As a leading Mental
Health/Learning Disability Trust, we should not be second class citizens and in an increasingly
socially orientated model of service, linkages should not be restricted to medical schools.
Reasons
Achieving University status is vitally important to the Trust’s future success and viability. It also
ensures continuing balance between a business like approach and maintaining the Trust’s long
established emphasis on staff training and development.
The relationship between the Trust and the School of Health and Social Care at Bournemouth
University is well established over four decades and is both positive and productive. We have
worked in partnership with Bournemouth University, for Trust services to gain accreditation as
Practice Development Units. This accreditation has proved highly beneficial to the Trust in
enabling our staff to develop new approaches and share best practice, bringing about positive
change, involving and improving the quality of life for service users and carers. This mutually
beneficial relationship has supported:
• The education of pre registration student Nurses and Allied Health Professionals,
• The continuing professional development for qualified Nurses and Allied Health
Professionals, and
• The establishment of joint Nurse Consultant and Lecturer/Practitioner posts between the
two organisations.
The Trust and the University are both keen to extend this relationship. We have already
established a University Department of Mental Health based in the Trust as part of the
Bournemouth University School of Health and Social Care. Gaining University Trust status with
Bournemouth University will enable the two organisations to work more closely together and
promote better treatment and care for service users and their carers.
Bournemouth University has been recognised as the Best New University for the second year
running – it trains nursing and Allied Health Professional staff and is a leader in the education
of Approved Social Workers in England. The University is being commissioned by the
Department of Health to write the training guidelines for ‘Best Interest’ assessors. Recent
changes in legislation broaden the range of professionals who, with the required education,
may act as Approved Mental Health Practitioners.
Benefits
The positive outcomes of becoming a University Trust will be:
• To support the Trust’s progress towards developing service user outcome measures,
APPENDIX G
• To enhance and develop the concept of the “Practice Development Units”, adding value to
the services we provide through rigorous auditing processes,
• To develop better services for the people we care for by increasing clinical standards and
attracting and retaining high calibre staff,
• To increase the provision of educational activities by:
The development of undergraduate programmes and high quality clinical placements to
aid the recruitment and retention of staff with the right skills and qualifications, especially
important given that we are competing within an ever tighter and more restricted job
market.
Further educating and training the qualified workforce with an emphasis on inter-
professional learning and practice through continuing professional development.
Jointly supporting the development and training requirements for assistant practitioners
who will work alongside more highly trained and specialist professionals.
Providing training in specialist professional skills. Courses to develop include:
o Talking therapies;
o Cognitive Behaviour Therapy;
o Problem-Solving Therapy;
o Relapse Prevention;
o Risk assessment;
o Prescribing.
The development of a range of healthcare management courses with University
Accreditation.
Linking mental health developments with the Centre for Postgraduate Medical Research
and Education at Bournemouth University, enhancing inter-disciplinary collaboration.
Potential for the Trust and University to market some training to secure income for local
services.
Actions
The Trust Board, University Executive Group at Bournemouth University and the Southwest
Strategic Health Authority (NHS South West) supports this objective. We are awaiting final
confirmation from the University Senate very shortly.
To be able to use the title of “University NHS Foundation Trust” it is necessary under the Trust
constitution for a name change to be agreed at the Annual Members meeting and then we can
obtain Monitor’s endorsement. The name change means including ‘University’ before NHS
Foundation Trust. Headed notepaper would be changed as existing stocks are used up and
changes of site signs would be phased in over time – all designed to minimise cost as we have
done with the Foundation Trust status over the past two years.
Chris Harvey
Director of Business Development
July 2009