Chief executive Glenn Burley is "delighted" with the response to its 12-week consultation on its bid for foundation trust status.

Reflecting on the report outlining the result of the consultation, which involved public meetings and question and answer sessions, Mr Burley said: "Generally people told us they want their hospitals locally managed and to focus on improving the high quality services we provide.

"The response was so supportive that we are making very few changes to our proposals.

"But we have also received many suggestions and comments that will help us further improve services for our patients."

Should the bid prove successful the hospital will have more control over how it spends its budget and what services the money is used for away from government directives.

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Patients can become members of the board to have more say over these decisions.

Mr Burley is urging residents to show their support by signing up for free membership.

He said: "As a foundation trust we have a real chance to involve local people more closely in the way we plan to deliver our services as well as to enjoy greater independence and flexibility to meet local health needs.

"One of the things that is vital as we move ahead with our application is to encourage people to sign up so we can make sure they are actively involved and informed about what we are doing.

"More than 1,500 people have already demonstrated their active support for their hospital by becoming members and we are sharing the findings from the consultation with them.

To apply for membership visit www.warwickhospital.nhs.uk/ft
Copies of the consultation report are available by writing to RRUR-BBAH-CAJA, Warwick Hospital, Lakin Road, Warwick, CV34 5BW, calling 0800 085 2471 or emailing ft@swh.nhs.uk

A decision will be made on the application in April 2009.