Monitor (NHS)

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Monitor, also known as the Independent Regulator for NHS Foundation Trusts, is a non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to regulate NHS Foundation Trusts or Foundation Hospitals - hospitals that have opted out of direct governmental control. The body was established under the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003.

Monitor is a non-departmental public body (NDPB) established under the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003. They are responsible for authorising, monitoring and regulating NHS Foundation Trusts. Their Regulatory Operations Directorate receives and considers applications from NHS Trusts seeking foundation status. If satisfied that certain criteria are met, it authorises them to operate as foundation trusts.

Once foundation trusts are authorised, Monitor’s Regulatory Operations Directorate monitors their activities to ensure that they comply with the requirements of their terms of authorisation. Inspection of the performance of a foundation trust against healthcare standards will be carried out by the Healthcare Commission, which will send Monitor copies of inspection reports relating to NHS Foundation Trusts.

Monitor has powers to intervene in the running of foundation trusts in the event of failings in its healthcare standards or other aspects of its activities that amount to a significant breach in the terms of its authorisation.

Its current chairman is William Moyes.