1055.This section inserts a new section 57A into the NHS Act which makes explicit provision for a foundation trust to separate into two or more new foundation trusts. This may be necessary, for example, if following a merger a foundation trust was too large to manage itself effectively. This section would allow it to take action to address this.
1056.An application may be made by the foundation trust to Monitor for the separation. Monitor is required to grant the application effecting the change if it is satisfied that the necessary preparatory steps had been taken. Subsection (2) of new section 56B requires that such an application may be made only with the approval of the majority of the governors of the foundation trust.