York Hospital's bid to achieve foundation status could be delayed because of the local primary care trust's huge debt crisis.

Local people would be given more of a say in how the hospital is run if it gains foundation status, for which it is being evaluated this year.

But the hospital trust's foundation co-ordinator, Colin Watts, said uncertainty over the future income it will receive from Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) could mean its application may be deferred.

"The weak financial position in the local health economy may prevent our application being authorised by the Government's independent regulator for foundation trusts, Monitor," he said. Hard-up Selby and York PCT is suffering from some of the worst cash problems in the country, with emergency turnaround teams sent in by the Government last month to help it heave itself out of the red.

By April, it is expecting to be £23.7 million in debt.

Penny Jones, the acting chief executive of Selby and York PCT, said: "The PCT is working alongside York Hospitals Trust to plan affordable health services that meet the needs of the local population, and the hospital is an active partner in the decisions we are taking at this challenging time, along with other healthcare providers, community and voluntary groups.

"Selby and York PCT is supportive of the hospital's bid to become an NHS foundation trust."

Meanwhile, more than 19,500 local people have signed up to become members of the proposed new foundation trust - and 85 have been nominated as governors.

A spokesman for York Hospitals NHS Trust explained that anybody over the age of 16 could apply for membership of a foundation trust, which would then give them a stake in its future.

Members would also:

Be consulted on major plans for the hospital's future

Receive regular information on the hospital's activities and performance

Be able to vote in governor elections

Be able to stand for election as a governor.

A statement from the trust has said it is "cautious about its chances of success", despite its "huge public response".

"We are very pleased with the response we have had from the public, but we know there is still some way to go before we can become a foundation trust," said Mr Watts.

The hospital trust was given the go-ahead to continue with its application in January. It will be evaluated between April and July.

Postal elections to elect governors from the public, patients and staff to the foundation trust's members' council will begin on March 3.

For more information on the foundation application, phone 01904 725075.

Updated: 09:09 Saturday, February 18, 2006