HOSPITAL patients and the public in North Yorkshire are being urged to welcome moves to create local Foundation Hospitals - despite national controversy - by the chief officer of the Harrogate Community Health Council (CHC).

Mark Kennedy urged the public to back Harrogate Health Care NHS Trust's bid to join the second wave of three star-rated hospitals to become Foundation Trusts, along with York Hospitals NHS Trust.

If the initial applications are followed up and approved, both trusts will become Foundation Trusts in October 2004, with greater freedom from the Government and more local financial control.

However critics of Foundation Trusts, including union Unison, say the scheme will create a two-tier health service, with foundation hospitals attracting the best staff and services, while other hospitals suffer.

Mr Kennedy's comments come as the Government headed for a likely defeat over the foundation hospitals issue at the Labour party conference today.

Mr Kennedy, who will become project manager for Harrogate's foundation hospital application in December when CHCs are abolished, said the earlier the trust got on board the scheme, the more benefits there would be for local people.

He said: "The CHC hasn't formed a view on Foundation Trusts. Over the next year there will be an extensive consultation process, but the CHC won't even be in existence.

"By 2008 every hospital should be a foundation hospital and because Harrogate is a three star hospital it is in a position to apply early and have more chance of getting real benefits from it.

"We are in wave 1a and we will be looking at the first wave applicants to see what lessons can be learned."

Mr Kennedy said people should not be scared of the move, and should instead see it as a real opportunity.

He said benefits include not having to compete with other trusts for capital funding, a focus on local views rather than the national picture, and a membership of thousands that can be consulted on any health issues.

Mr Kennedy said: "Obviously one criticism is that it is yet another organisational change, and I can understand why people feel concerned. But it shouldn't arouse any fears about services and patient care.

"If done properly its a real opportunity for more local decision making and to build real links with the local community."

Public consultation is due to take place over the coming months.

Updated: 11:03 Wednesday, October 01, 2003