A MAJOR consultation drive has been launched by North Cheshire Hospitals Trust over proposals to become independently controlled.

The organisation has been given the all-clear to apply to become a NHS foundation trust, meaning Halton and Warrington Hospitals would no longer be Government led.

The status could be in place by autumn.

It is now inviting Halton residents to have a greater influence on the decision-making process by becoming governors and members of the trust.

Foundation trust status would result in decisions about the two hospitals being made at local rather than national levels and would result in greater financial freedom.

Trust members would have a bigger influence on shaping the future of services.

The trust is looking to appoint 15 governors who are elected by the members.