LEAFLETS and newsletters about Basingstoke hospital's bid for foundation status have been distributed to households and doctors' surgeries throughout north Hampshire during the last month.

Hospital bosses, who began a 10-week consultation period with NHS staff and members of the public on February 23, are still asking for feedback about the proposed bid, which could mean big changes to health care in the area.

Basingstoke MP Andrew Hunter has given his backing to the bid for foundation status which would give the hospital greater financial freedom. It will also mean members of the public can stand for election to a new council, which will have the power to appoint health chiefs.

Individuals can also become "members" of the hospital.

The formal consultation document is available from www.northhampshire.nhs.uk or by calling 01256 314927.

More information about foundation status can be found at www.doh.gov.uk/nhsfoundationtrusts