The first ever “acquisition” involving a Foundation Trust and an NHS Trust has been confirmed, following approval from Secretary of State for Health Patricia Hewitt for Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust to take over responsibility for the financially troubled Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham.
The Secretary of State’s decision follows a 14 week public consultation, led by NHS West Midlands, which took place after the Board of Good Hope Hospital voted unanimously to combine with the Foundation Trust.
The merger ensures services at Good Hope, including Accident and Emergency, continue to be provided locally for residents of north Birmingham, Tamworth, Burntwood and Lichfield.
Cynthia Bower, chief executive of NHS West Midlands, said: “We are pleased to announce that the Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt, has approved our proposal for Good Hope Hospital to become part of Heart of England Foundation Trust. After a 14 week public consultation, in which we reached out to over two million local people, over 80% of responses were in favour of the merger. As well as this great support and the backing of our local health partners, we now have support from central government to proceed with the first merger of its kind in the NHS.
“For the first time in many years, after a long period of instability for patients and staff, there is now a secure and bright future for Good Hope Hospital. We are confident that by becoming part of one of the most successful trusts in the country, Good Hope can develop its services and provide even better care for its local community.”
