Following a robust and rigorous assessment by NHS England, NHFT have achieved Advanced Foundation Status as a Trust (AFT).

This is an important milestone for NHFT and for the wider health and care system in Northamptonshire. Advanced foundation trusts will be the new marker of excellence for providers that drive delivery of the NHS’s three shifts: from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention; improve access and health inequalities; and work with partners to improve population health. For NHFT, this recognition reflects the strength of the partnerships and pathways of care we have built with patients, carers, service users, community and voluntary groups, other NHS providers, and local authorities over many years.

As a first-wave adopter, NHFT will help shape how this model develops in practice. AFT status is also expected to bring greater autonomy and less bureaucracy, creating more opportunity to transform and improve pathways for local communities.

The CEO for NHFT Angela Hillery states:

In Northamptonshire, we are committed to continuing our work with NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board and partners across the system to strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to support the county’s population. With a clear focus on improving outcomes for children and young people, people with mental health, learning disability or neurodiverse needs, supporting frailty, and supporting people with long term conditions.

As an Advanced Foundation Trust, NHFT will also be eligible to hold an Integrated Health Organisation (IHO) contract, which would give us responsibility for improving the health of a defined population and the associated health budget. NHFT is one of two organisations in the first wave undergoing this additional assessment, and we expect an outcome of this process later in the year. We are also working closely with the ICB to explore this together.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. This recognition reflects the strength of our shared commitment to improving care and outcomes for the people and communities we serve, and we look forward to continuing this work together.