05.09.13
Single procurement proposed for George Eliot Hospital
George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust could be taken over by a private provider, as independent sector and NHS providers would be assessed through a single procurement process for the first time.
A new provider is expected to take over services in 18 months’ time.
Board meeting papers from the NHS Trust Development Authority recommended that the new procurement process should go ahead. This is consistent with the Government principle of a ‘fair playing field’, with a provider chosen which can offer the best solution for long-term sustainability.
The trust was identified as unable to achieve FT status in its current form in 2011 and it was agreed that it should seek a strategic partnership through a transaction. Following agreement from the board, an advert will be placed in the OJEU, with a new provider expected to take over services from April 2015.
Labour's health spokesman, Andy Burnham, told The Guardian: “Everywhere you look chunks of the NHS are being broken up and handed to the private sector. With this announcement, it is now proceeding at a pace and scale never seen before.
“Ministers have spent all year running down the NHS and their real intent is becoming increasing clear – preparing the ground for more privatisation.
“Far from doctors deciding, this is privatisation driven from the top down. David Cameron needs to be reminded he's never been given the permission of the British public to put the NHS up for sale. It is essential the local community in Nuneaton have the final say.”
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