A hospital’s application to become a foundation trust has been put on hold as its board looks to strengthen the bid.

The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust announced it would be putting its plans on hold last week.

As part of the trust's plans for the site, flats for NHS nurses and social workers would be closed down as six NHS-owned blocks in the site are sold off.

The trust also announced it would be investing £10million to help secure the future of the hospital, which will go towards the upgrading of maternity wards and improve facilities for premature babies.

During the delay to its application the trust aims to increase its engagement with the community by holding public meetings to get people’s views about the future of the hospital.

Hornsey and Wood MP Green Lynne Featherstone, who hosted a meeting last week, said: “I welcome the Whittington’s decision to engage with the public and to listen to residents’ views on these plans.

“The hospital is trying to secure a long term future through becoming a Foundation Trust.

“But public engagement, clarity and confidence are of paramount importance. It is vital they take this opportunity to listen and adapt their plans as appropriate.”

The hospital trust has organised several meetings in haring in the coming months, with the first taking place at the Lordship Lane Health Centre, in Lordship Lane, Tottenham, on Tuesday March 14, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

On Tuesday March 21 people will be able to have their say at a meeting at The Highgate Society, in South Groves from 6.30pm.

Lordship Lane Health Centre will host a second meeting on Thursday April 18 from 2.30pm to 4pm.

There will also be a meeting at the Whittington Hospital itself in its N19 restaurant in Magdala Avenue on Monday April 15 from 2.30pm.