RCN 'disappointed' that last NHS bidder has pulled out of bid to run Hinchingbrooke

Published: 23 February 2010

The Royal College of Nursing is disappointed that the last NHS bidder, Cambridgeshire University Hospital Foundation Trust has chosen to pull out of the tendering process to run Hinchingbrooke Hospital.  As it now looks increasingly likely that Hinchingbrooke will move outside the NHS, the RCN is calling on the remaining bidders to demonstrate clearly how they plan to ensure that maternity, A&E and all current services at Hinchingbrooke will be sustained to provide top quality healthcare for all.  The RCN has also sought legal advice on the issue of how franchising will effect both the public and the contractual arrangements of staff transferring from one organisation to another. 

The RCN believes that the sustainable future of Hinchingbrooke Hospital, now hinges on the successful bidder’s ability to demonstrate how they can deliver on Quality, Accountability, Equality and Partnership – the RCN’s 4 Framework Principles.    Principles developed specifically to test and evaluate the development and delivery of new policy proposals such as this unique franchising process. 

Karen Webb, Regional Director of RCN Eastern Region said “As we enter the next stage of negotiations and proposals, the RCN wants to know exactly how any new company will deliver the best quality healthcare which meets the needs of the local community and is determined by that community, not on the basis of finance alone.    The new companies must also demonstrate how they will remain accountable to, and work in partnership with, the general public – no discussions or decisions should take place behind closed doors in London, but in Huntingdon where the local community and local stakeholders have a real say and understanding of what is going on.  Without these assurances there is a risk that the Trust will end up operating without the confidence of its staff or the public.

“We are also keen to establish how any new partner would fund the significant deficit currently operated by Hinchingbrooke caused by its PFI build.  We understand that the SHA has said that it may be prepared to consider paying a subsidy to the successful bidder. This therefore begs the question why such a subsidy has not been made available to the current management board that have operated within their budget restrictions, have met all key targets set for them and provide some of the best healthcare services in the region.

“The RCN is neither pro nor anti-privatisation; our main concern is that the highest quality care is delivered for all and that any new organisation brought in to help run Hinchingbrooke is able to attract the right staff, with the right skills, under the right terms and conditions – as the staff are the key to achieving a sustainable future for Hinchingbrooke.”

The RCN attend all stakeholder meetings and have representatives on the 2 sub-committees established to assess and consider the submissions.  We will continue to work closely with the SHA and staff at Hinchingbrooke to try to ensure the best possible outcome for patients and staff.