06.11.12
Care UK takes over Harmoni
Care UK has bought Harmoni, meaning the largest out-of-hours healthcare provider in the UK is now even bigger. The deal will take the number of NHS patients who receive services delivered by Care UK to more than 15 million.
Harmoni runs GP-led health centres, referral management centres, NHS 111 and other services. The deal will also provide unscheduled care to patients through clinical contact centres and face-to-face consultations.
Mike Parish, Care UK chief executive said: “We understand the urgency with which the NHS needs to be able to reduce unscheduled and inappropriate hospital admissions of patients who can and should receive treatment elsewhere.”
He said that the move would help commissioners make the most effective use of their resources, including out of hours needs.
“By putting the 111 channel and Harmoni’s expertise in healthcare technology alongside the existing out of hours expertise in both organisations, and Care UK’s ability to invest in future service development, we can give the NHS better quality care at lower costs.
“Our joint focus is to put quality first, to deliver exceptional care and to continue to meet and exceed the high standards of care delivery which both patients and commissioners expect of NHS services.”
Edmund Jahn, Harmoni managing director, said: “Becoming part of the Care UK family is hugely positive news for our patients, our commissioners and the colleagues who deliver high quality care across all our services. It gives all our services a strong and sustainable platform for the future as we work within Care UK to support the NHS.”
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