People want more say in the way health services in their area are managed, a major consultation exercise in west Norfolk has revealed.And there is overwhelming support for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's bid to become a foundation trust run by locally-elected governors.

People want more say in the way health services in their area are managed, a major consultation exercise in west Norfolk has revealed.

And there is overwhelming support for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's bid to become a foundation trust run by locally-elected governors.

More than 2,300 people responded during the consultation period, which ended yesterday .

Everyone who took part has also applied to become a member of the QEH's trust - meaning it is close to the 3,000 target it needs as part of its application to the Department of Health.

People who have applied to become a member also made comments regarding what improvements they would like to be seen at the QEH, and a spokesman said all the comments were being studied carefully and would be taken fully into account.

Comments made by residents included “I believe that to become a foundation trust is the only way forward.” And another said: “I applaud the way you are setting about this.”

A spokesman said there had also been some constructive criticism made including comments like residents wanting to see more doctors and nurses.

Information leaflets have been sent to homes in west Norfolk and the fens in a bid to encourage them to sign up as members. Teams from the hospital also travelled around to tell residents about the application and what it means for them.

Foundation trusts give hospitals more control over their budgets and strategic planning. With foundation status, local people and staff would decide how to run the hospital and both have been invited to become members of the trust

Gwyneth Wilson, deputy chief executive, said last night: “We have been overwhelmed by the level of support we have had from our local community.

“They appear to be fully behind our application to become a foundation trust. Our consultation period may have been ended, but we would like to stress that people are still able to become members.”

A full application will now be sent to the Department of Health by the end of this month. The government will make a decision on whether the QEH becomes a foundation trust by July.

Anyone still wanting to take part in the consultation can apply online at www.qehkl.nhs.uk or contact the foundation trust office at the hospital on 01553 613613.