The move follows an announcement in November 2025 by then secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting, that eight trusts from across the country would be assessed as part of the first wave of the AFT programme.

Dr Birju Bartoli, chief executive officer of Northumbria Healthcare, said: ‘Being an advanced foundation trust is testament to all our staff and to their hard work, commitment and drive for excellence and improvement.

‘It also reflects that we are committed to continue to work closely with our wide range of partners and community organisations to deliver the very best care and experience for our patients.

‘This should give patients, our staff and the local communities we serve confidence in our services and confirmation that we continually strive to improve for them all.'

AFT status will provide some financial freedoms for the way the trust can invest more in local health services, while focussing on population health needs.

Dr Bartoli continued: ‘The other opportunity that comes from being an Advanced Foundation Trust is the ability for us to hold an integrated care organisation contract. We are one of only two trusts nationally who have been identified to be a potential IHO. We have lots to do to work towards this.

‘We will of course work closely with everyone we need to, including NHS, local authority and community partners, as part of this. I am extremely proud to be in this position.'