Two public meetings are being held to explain how Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals will achieve foundation trust status.

Held at St Helier and Epsom hospitals, the meetings will give residents the opportunity to ask any questions they have about the process, which is likely to see the Trust’s hospitals demerge before remerging with other hospitals.

The first meeting will be held on May 16 at 7pm, in St Helier hospital’s Whitehall Lecture Theatre and the second meeting is on May 18 at 6pm, in the Lecture Theatre, Epsom.

Jan Sawkins is the independent chair of a special Board, set up to explore and implement the best options for the Trust’s hospitals.

She said: “Foundation trusts offer a wide range of benefits, for instance, being accountable to local people through an elected board of governors made up of staff, patients and other local residents.

"We recognise the importance of keeping patients, local people and staff up-to-date as the project moves forward and we are committed to involving them as much as possible.

“I’d encourage people to get involved, attend the meetings and ask any questions that they may have. There is no need to register beforehand, and anyone who is interested is welcome to turn up on the day.”

As well as Jan, Jon Sargeant, the Transaction Director and Matthew Hopkins, the Trust’s Chief Executive will speak at the meetings.