First private sector NHS franchise awarded

The employee-owned operation beat out Serco Health to be chosen as the preferred partner to run the Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust franchise in Huntingdonshire. Writing in November's COVER, Richard Walsh explained the arrangements that the winning franchisee would have to work under. It will not be able to make big decisions which may affect the long-term viability of Hinchingbrooke hospital, like the sale of land, without Trust specific approval. And it will be governed by the same rules as any NHS provider and not be given guarantees of future revenue by the NHS. Circle a...