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Foundation Trust Membership

When the L&D and Bedford Hospital merged, the newly formed NHS organisation became a Foundation Trust (FT). This means that the Trust has some independence from the Department of Health. One considerable advantage is that it can reinvest any profits directly back into patient care at the two hospital sites.

As an FT, we need a membership that reflects the population in which the two hospitals serve.

FT members have a say in how the hospitals are run, how healthcare is provided to patients and can voice their concerns or make suggestions about future plans. As a member, you can decide how involved you would like to be come. You can receive updates on developments, attend events and medical lectures or if you want to get more involved you can stand for election as a Governor. FT members vote in the Governors who then hold the Trust Board to account.

Membership is FREE and as a member you can help shape the future of your local hospital. Please sign up, or to find out more please call 01582 718333.

Unexpected closure of lifts in Beeden House and reduced lift capacity in the Main Block, Bedford Hospital

Beeden House

We have had to make the difficult decision to close both lifts in Beeden House after finding an unexpected fault during routine maintenance.

This means that there will be disruption to services and appointments on the upper floors of Beeden House.

We are currently contacting patients to find the best individual solution for them, minimise disruption and ensure they continue to receive the care they need. At this point you do not need to contact us, we will contact all affected patients.

The decision to close the lifts was hard, but we felt it was the safest decision to best protect our patients and staff.

Reduced lift capacity in the Main Block

Please be aware our lifts in the Main Block currently have reduced capacity. In order to maintain lift functions and minimise traffic in the remaining lifts, we will be prioritising high priority movements.

Staff, patients and visitors can access the main block lifts if required, but may be asked to wait at main reception while other priority movements are made. A minimum of 4 people will be required before the lift departs. Security staff operating the lifts will be mindful that not all disabilities are visible and make appropriate accommodations for non-ambulant staff and visitors.

We apologise for the inconvenience the closure of lifts and reduced lift capacity will cause.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and support.