National NHS bosses are considering plans to split the region's troubled mental health trust, according to reports.

The Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) last month saw its care rating improved by inspectors, a year after being rated as inadequate.

However, the possibility of breaking up the trust was discussed at crisis talks between NHS England, the trust and other stakeholders and could still be on the table.

The Health Service Journal reports that at a meeting in December, options for the future of the organisation were discussed in depth.

One of these options would see the trust split into two, with separate providers for Norfolk and Suffolk.

The other would retain NSFT's current leadership, but see collaborations with other health organisations to "aggressively" change local services.

However, it remains to be seen whether the improved CQC rating, which was confirmed last month, will see it continue on its current path.

Local health leaders are understood to see the inspection outcome as a reprieve, but the trust's future continues to be under review.

While no decisions have been made over this, the options are expected to be presented by government ministers for consideration by the end of April.

They will then be tasked with deciding whether to split the trust or maintain the status quo.

An NHSE spokeswoman said: "NSFT is making progress, as recent CQC findings show, and they will continue to receive intensive and targeted help as part of the recovery support programme to make sure improvement is sustained."

Stuart Richardson, chief executive of NSFT, said: "60pc of our services inspected are now rated ‘good’ however we are not complacent and we know we need to deliver lasting change. We welcome the discussions about how to achieve this. 

"It’s only right that we consider all the options that would enable improvements for the long term in mental health services but splitting up NSFT is not an instant solution."