The first ever business partnership in the UK between an NHS hospital and a private sector company has begun. Hinchingbrooke Hospital is now under the management of Circle, a company co-owned by its employees, and they are aiming to turn the hospital around into one of the top ten in the country.
The deal, which was signed in November 2011 and came into force yesterday, ensures that the assets and infrastructure remain the property of the NHS, the staff continue to be employed by the NHS, the patients continue to receive NHS services but the management of the provision of services with be the responsibility of Circle.
Circle have been meeting with staff over a serious of ‘partnerships sessions’ and have decided that the four areas they wish to excel in are: patient safety, patient experience, staff engagement and value for money.
Dr Stephen Dunn, Director of Policy and Strategy at NHS Midlands and East, said: “With the challenges the NHS now faces, new solutions are needed so services can be provided how and where patients want them, but at a cost which taxpayers can afford. Today heralds just that, a new chapter in creativity and partnership working.
We’re having our first ever giveaway over on the