The opening of The Northumbria hospital, one of the many notable achievements for Northumbria Healthcare since it became a foundation trust 10 years ago.
Officials and staff at a health trust are have been marking 10 years since it joined the NHS elite and became a foundation trust.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which employs 9,500 staff, achieved the status in August 2006.
And in the following10 years, it has seen its reputation grow nationally while overseen a number of changes and new facilities locally.
Other achievements include one of only five trusts currently rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission; named as one of the country’s ‘top hospitals’ for nine consecutive years; and taking over responsibility for community services in Northumberland.
David Evans, chief executive, said: “Becoming a foundation trust was the first step in our journey to becoming the ‘outstanding’ trust we are today.
Alan Richardson, chairman of Northumbria Healthcare, said: “Being a foundation trust enables us to have a direct link with our local communities through our governors and members and over the last 10 years our Council of Governors has gone from strength to strength.
To become a member visit www.northumbria.nhs.uk/members to complete the online application form or call the foundation membership team on 0191 203 1296.