HEALTH chiefs were celebrating yesterday after being given the go-ahead to seek Foundation Trust status.
Health Secretary John Reid has given the Harrogate Health care NHS Trust permission to further progress its application.
The trust's chairman, Dr Albert Day, and chief executive Miles Scott have started talks with the independent regulator for NHS Foundation Trusts.
Mr Scott has confirmed that the application will be considered for the next group of hospitals to gain Foundation status from November 1 this year.
He said: "The process is now even more real than ever and I would like to invite anyone who has not yet signed up as a member of our NHS Foundation Trust to do so without delay."
He added: "By becoming a member, local people have a superb opportunity to become more involved and have a greater say in services provided at Harrogate and Ripon hospitals
"As a first step members will be able to elect governors for the proposed Foundation Trust this September."
Details about how to become a member can be obtained by contacting the NHS Foundation Trust office on 0800 917 9452.
Alternatively, people can also sign up via the trust website at www.harrogatehealth. co.uk.
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