South Warwickshire General Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Lakin Road site, hopes to become a 'foundation' trust.

This means those who use its services will have more of a say in the way they operate by signing up as members and standing for or voting in a new council of governors.

Public meetings get underway next week and the hospital's chief executive Glen Burley is keen for residents to make their views known.

The hospital needs to convince the NHS it is in a strong position to take on the new status. And at a trust board meeting last week this appeared to be the case with a forecast budget surplus of £2.3 million for the end of the financial year.

Over the coming year there is a planned surplus of £8.132 million, which would allow it to replace the MRI and CT scanners.

The hospital is also on track to meet 18 week waiting times and other NHS targets, but has seen an increase in delayed discharges which could affect its Healthcare Commission ratings.

Mr Burley said: "I am very pleased that we are extremely close to delivering on all of the key targets that the NHS is measured against.

"It is clear from elsewhere in the NHS that some trusts are struggling to meet some of them, leading to foundation trust applications being deferred."

For the second year running car parking fees will not be increased at the hospital, which Mr Burley says is in response to patients' comments.

He added: "The recent story of our trust is one of new services, improved facilities, better hygiene, fewer infections, financial stability and security.

"We want to build on this success and believe that becoming a foundation trust offers the best opportunity for further rapid progress.

"Residents who become a member will be consulted about our plans and governors will oversee the activities of the board."

Trust chairman Graham Murrell added: "We would also have greater freedom in how we raise and invest money in services."

Hospital staff had a chance to hear about the plans on April 10.

Any voluntary groups, clubs or societies who have their own meetings planned between April 7 and June 30 can request a talk.

Comments and applications for membership can be posted to Freepost RRUR-BBAH-CAJA, Foundation Trust Office, Warwick Hospital, Lakin Road, Warwick, CV34 5BW or emailed to ft@swh.nhs.uk

To find out more call freephone 0800 0852471 or visit www.warwickhospital.nhs.uk

Public meetings:
April 15, Warwick Gates Community Centre, 7pm
April 21, Shire Hall, Warwick, 7pm
May 2, Grange Hall, Southam, 7pm
June 9, Leamington Town Hall, 7pm
June 20, De Montfort Hotel, Kenilworth, 7pm