HOSPITAL managers say they are confident about plans to get foundation trust status, despite concerns in a critical report by inspectors.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Sir Jonathan Michael spoke after concerns about the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The Care Quality Commission – the NHS regulator – rated the trust as “good” in its toughest ever inspection.

Yet it said the John Radcliffe “requires improvement”. Concerns included waiting times, lack of beds and staff shortages.

Foundation trusts are not directed by Government, so can set their own strategy, keep surpluses, and borrow and invest more.

Sir Jonathan said: “It clearly does allow us to move forward with the application for foundation status.”

The long-mooted application to foundation trust regulator was submitted last month via the NHS Trust Development Authority.

It sought the status since 2011, but it was put on hold last autumn because of a CQC shake-up after hospital deaths in mid-Staffordshire.

Sir Jonathan has said he hopes to have the status in place by April 1.

His letter to the development authority stated: “We have set a clear ambition to deliver compassionate excellence, measured through the safety and outcomes of the care we offer and the experience of our patients and our staff.”

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