Research to examine the economic benefit of foundation trust hospitals shows that they add £3.4 billion a year to the Yorkshire economy and £30 billion nationally.

The report, published by Barclays bank and the Foundation Trust Network, sets out for the first time the economic and social value generated by foundation trusts and the effect hospitals have beyond their healthcare role.

It said foundation trusts contribute economic and social value by supporting local businesses through sourcing goods and services and generating employment for thousands of people.

They also added value through delivering world-class research and providing construction work, attracting potentially millions of pounds of investment into the local community.

Chris Hopson, FTN chief executive, said: “In the current economic climate, it has never been more important to capture and share the full value of the foundation trust model in local communities, including the economic investment made in local areas, the employment generated and the wider social benefits created by their services.

“I am delighted that this report celebrates and shares the added value trusts can play in every region by acting as responsible employers, reducing the environmental impact of the organisation and by delivering a range of long-term social benefits.”