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UCLH |
‘Health science centre’ merger bid
FOUR main hospitals and a university could join forces in an ambitious merger proposal revealed yesterday (Thursday) in a meeting at University College Hospital London.
Under the proposals University College London medical research centre would come together with the University College London Hospital (pictured), the Royal Free, Great Ormond Street and Moorfields hospitals under one board.
Based on an American model now taking root in London, the proposed “Academic Health Science Centre” would integrate expertise in teaching, research and health care. The “UCL Partners” would be better positioned to tap into NHS funding following health reforms rewarding the biggest and best institutions.
In an annual report to the UCLH governing body, chief executive Sir Robert Naylor said: “All of this would need to be done in a an efficient and profitable way.”
The plan follows a similar partnership between St Mary’s and Hammersmith hospitals with Imperial College in October 2007.
The St Mary’s merger, the first in the country, has already seen the AHSC win a £100 million five-year cash boost from the health secretary.
Now other hospitals are scrambling to compete on the same level. King’s College London with Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trusts announced their commitment to create an AHSC last week.
Health campaigners warn of the dangers of introducing free market principles into the provision of health care.
Geoff Martin, of London Health Emergency, said: “My main concern is that the trust will be in direct competition with neighbouring hospitals.
“The partnership is all about kudos and pumping up their status.
“It is the Sainsbury’s versus Tescos methodology – it is all about who is the biggest. I don’t think that’s the way to run a properly integrated healthcare system in London.” |
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