A public consultation has started this week on a bid by West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust to gain foundation status.
The move would give the trust more control over its finances as well as giving the community more of a voice in how it is run.
People are being asked to come forward and become members of the trust, which gives them the opportunity to be voted ont
o the board of governors.
Chief Executive Jan Filochowski said: "We have made significant improvements in how we deliver services and these are now embedded firmly in the way that we do business.
"We have exciting plans for the future, of which becoming a foundation trust is an important part.
"Decisions about hospital services will be made locally and will reflect the needs of the people of west Hertfordshire."
He added: "For the first time local people will be able to become members of our trust and have the opportunity to stand as governors and be democratically elected to a seat on the board of governors.
"We put the people of west Hertfordshire firmly at the centre of all we do and we are encouraging as many people as possible to become members."
A 12-week consultation runs from September 22 to December 16.
To find out more or comment call 08444 776 321, visit www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/ft, email foundation.trust@whht.nhs.uk or write to Foundation Trust Office, FREEPOST NAT2520, Hemel Hempstead HP2 4BR.
A series of public meetings will also take place.
- Monday, October 6. 6.30pm. Haven House, London Road, Hemel Hempstead.
- Tuesday, October 14. 3pm. Clock Room, Berkhamsted Town Hall, 196 High Street, Berkhamsted.
- Monday, October 20. 6.30pm. Civic Hall, Berkhamsted Civic Centre, 161 High Street, Berkhamsted.
- Tuesday, October 21. 2.30pm. Haven House, London Road, Hemel Hempstead.
