Monitor (NHS)

Monitor, also known as the Independent Regulator for NHS Foundation Trusts, is a non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to regulate NHS Foundation Trusts or Foundation Hospitals - hospitals that have opted out of direct governmental control. The body was established in 2004 under the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003. Its current chair (since February 2011) is David Bennett.

Functions

Monitor is responsible for authorising, monitoring and regulating NHS Foundation Trusts. Their Regulatory Operations Directorate receives and considers applications from NHS trusts seeking foundation status. If satisfied that certain criteria are met, it authorises them to operate as foundation trusts.

Once foundation trusts are authorised, Monitor's Regulatory Operations Directorate monitors their activities to ensure that they comply with the requirements of their terms of authorisation. The performance of foundations trust against healthcare standards is assessed by the Care Quality Commission, which sends Monitor copies of inspection reports.

Monitor has powers to intervene in the running of foundation trusts in the event of failings in its healthcare standards, an "Omega Threat" incident, or other aspects of its activities that amount to a significant breach in the terms of its authorisation.

Stafford Hospital investigation

In 2010 the Stafford Hospital scandal investigation recommended that Monitor de-authorise the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.^[1]

In line with the investigation report recommendation, Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Burnham, agreed to a further Independent Inquiry of the commissioning, supervisory and regulatory bodies for Foundation Trusts.^[1]

Future Changes

The White Paper published July 2010 entitled 'Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS' details significant proposed changes for Monitor. According to the White Paper and subsequent Health and Social Care Bill, Monitor will become 'an economic regulator, to promote effective and efficient providers of health and care, to promote competition, regulate prices and safeguard the continuity of services.'

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Robert Francis QC (24 February 2010). Robert Francis Inquiry report into Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. House of Commons. ISBN 978-0-10-296439-4. http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_113018. Retrieved 2010-02-24. 

External links

• Official website
• Response to the Francis report into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, 24 February 2010