The Times reported on 29 December that some hospital charities may have to merge their accounts with their NHS hospital.
We believe Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity funds will continue to be treated exactly as at present. We are responding to every major newspaper which covers this story.
The Chair of our Special Trustees has written to the Times as follows:
The NHS is not nationalising Great Ormond Street Hospital's donations. [Donations to hospital charities could become part of NHS budget, 29 Dec] I can reassure our supporters that Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust will not consolidate (merge) its accounts with its associated fundraising charity, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. After discussions with our auditors, both the GOSH charity and the NHS Trust will continue to prepare our accounts independently.
International Accounting Standard 27 refers to situations where one body has a measure of control over the other. We have been clear for several months that this does not apply to us. Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity Special Trustees are independent of the NHS Trust, and we consider all matters in accordance with our charitable objects and charitable law. While we are aware of the hospital’s plans and priorities, we reach our own considered judgement as to what we can support, and cannot support.
On the broader policy issue, we support the Association of NHS Charities in their call for this interpretation of IAS 27 to be reconsidered. We don’t believe it reflects the economic reality of most NHS Charities and any uncertainty creates the potential to discourage people from vital donations to NHS charities.
We are extremely grateful to all our supporters, who help us fund pioneering medical research, the essential redevelopment and expansion of the hospital, the purchase of equipment, and support for our families. They help us make Great Ormond Street Hospital the place it is today.
Yours faithfully
Alan Hodson
Chair, Special Trustees of Great Ormond Street Hospital Childrens Charity
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity
