5 October 2011
On 4 October 2011, we were informed by Royal Surrey County NHS Foundation Trust that they are no longer planning to bid to merge with Epsom Hospital and are withdrawing from the process.
Royal Surrey's reasons for doing this are linked to their other strategic priorities and they have been very clear with us that it is no reflection on Epsom Hospital, our staff or the services we provide.
Andrew Woodhead is the senior responsible owner for the work to ensure that Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals achieve a clinically and financially viable future as part of vibrant NHS foundation trusts. He said: "We can confirm that Royal Surrey have informed us that they will not be submitting a bid to merge with Epsom Hospital.
"Whilst this is disappointing news, we fully understand their reasons for doing so, and we are reassured that their decision is in no way a reflection on the appeal of Epsom Hospital.
"We will of course continue with our process and we look forward to receiving Ashford and St Peter's NHS Foundation Trust's bid prior to applications closing on 11 November 2011. This includes demonstrating how a merger with their trust will sustain the future for Epsom Hospital and build on and improve services for the people of Epsom and the surrounding areas."
Matthew Hopkins, Trust Chief Executive said: "We are of course disappointed with this news and, as you would expect, we would have preferred it if more than one organisation was interested in bidding to merge with Epsom. However, we look forward to receiving the bid from Ashford and St Peter's."
The final 'bids' will be judged against ten criteria aimed at proving how, by merging with Epsom or St Helier, the bidders will improve healthcare and healthcare services for local people. The criteria include:
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The benefits the merger will deliver for patients;
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The new organisation's plans for managing, supporting and developing staff;
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Whether the partnership offers good value to the taxpayer;
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If the partner's own organisation is ready to merge;
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If the partner organisation is financially viable and able to invest in future services and developments;
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Whether the final option delivers better care for local residents.
