NHS trust lays foundation for future

The trust, which provides mental health, learning disability and addictions services to people in Hull and the East Riding, is being given its new status by Monitor, the independent regulator of Foundation Trusts.

David Snowdon, chief executive of Humber NHS Foundation Trust, as it will now be called, said the change was the result of years of hard work and would benefit people who use it. "Being a Foundation Trust will mean that we will have the freedom to provide services in the way we think is best for local people."

NHS foundation trusts are not-for-profit, public benefit corporations. They are part of the NHS and provide and develop healthcare according to the core NHS principles of free care based on need and not ability to pay.

To find out more about mental health, learning disability or addictions services in the area, or to become a member of the trust, call freephone 0800 915 5064.