10.01.18
Essex trusts consider three-way merger to save cash and boost performance
Three trust boards in Essex are considering a merger in an effort to save money and improve the emergency admissions process.
Basildon, Southend and Broomfield hospital trusts already work closely, including by having the same chief executive, but the merger would form them into one of the largest trusts in the region, serving more than 1.1 million people.
The three trusts will meet today to discuss the proposals and independently decide whether to formally implement the beginning of the process.
However, the plans, which were recommended by NHS England, have been criticised locally by campaign group Save Our NHS Southend, which believes that a merger would reduce the number of services available to patients.
There is currently a public consultation on the proposals which will be open to submissions until 9 March, with the trusts saying they would like to implement changes by April.
Clare Panniker, the chief executive of Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS FT and Mid Essex Hospitals NHS Trust, was appointed as CEO of both Southend University Hospital Trust last week – a move which brought the three a step closer to fully merging.
On her appointment, Panniker commented: “With increasing demand for our services, the provision of compassionate, high quality patient care has never been more important than it is today and collectively we now have the best chance of building a strong foundation for the future.
“I am looking forward to working with staff, our partners and our communities to ensure that we continue to deliver the very best possible care for the people of Southend and surrounding areas.”
A report on the potential changes said there were below-average levels of performance in some areas across the three organisations and that change was necessary to improve the situation.
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