Sir Jonathan Michael said the next challenge for the OUH was to consult with the public over the application for Foundation Trust status.

The Government wants all hospital trusts to become foundation trusts so managers have a greater say over how money is spent locally.

Hospitals bidding for the status have to meet a number of criteria, including proving their ability to balance their books and have more public involvement, through membership.

From now until October, the trust will be running consultation events, encouraging the public to join its membership.

He said: “The principle advantage for patients is that as part of public membership they will have much more of a say in way hospital runs and what it does.

“As a foundation trust it is accountable to its membership, and that is made up of public, patients and staff.”

Unions have argued against Foundation Trusts, claiming they lead to hospitals competing against each other for patients.

Kelvin Aubrey, regional organiser for Unison Health, said: “The original aim was for them to be more democratically and locally accountable. The other element was they were supposed to have financial freedom.

“But in a climate when the whole NHS is trying to save four per cent year on year, it continues to be a principled but pointless exercise,” he added.

  • Wednesday, June 27, 6pm-7.30pm: Guildhall, Abingdon
  • Tuesday, July 3, 6pm-7.30pm: Corn Exchange, Faringdon
  • Friday, July 6, 2pm-3.30pm: Kassam Stadium, Oxford
  • Thursday, July 12, 6pm-7.30pm: Civic Hall Wantage
  • Thursday, July 19, 6pm-7.30pm: Civic Hall, Didcot
  • Tuesday, July 24, 2pm- 3.30pm: St Mary’s Church, Banbury
  • Tuesday, July 31, 6pm-7.30pm: Town Hall, Chipping Norton
  • Thursday, August 9, 6pm-7.30pm: Langdale Hall, Witney
  • Tuesday, August 14, 6pm-7.30pm: George Hotel Wallingford
  • Thursday, August 23, 6pm-7.30pm: John Paul II Centre, Bicester
  • Thursday, August 30, 6pm-7.30pm: Thame Barns Centre
  • Tuesday, September 11, 6pm-7.30pm: Baptist Church, Kidlington
  • Tuesday, September 18, 6pm-7.30pm: Warwick Hall, Burford
  • Thursday, September 20, 6pm-7.30pm: St Mary’s Church, Banbury
  • Thursday, September 27, 6pm-7.30pm: Town Hall Oxford