IC hospitals plan merger
The NHS trusts containing St. Mary's and Hammersmith Hospitals are currently in talks with Imperial College over whether to create the first combined medical, academic and research trust. A study to assess the feasibility of such a scheme and identify the benefits has been commissioned by the College. The three organisations will then decide whether to pursue this opportunity and start discussions with staff and local communities in the summer.
In a recent letter to staff, Professor Stephen Smith, Principal of the Faculty of Medicine, said, "We would hope to create an environment in partnership with the NHS, research councils and industry where we can provide the best treatments for our patients in an outstanding research environment. An Academic Foundation Trust will ensure that patients are able to benefit from the very latest developments in health care and medical technology."
This model of research and patient care existing side-by-side has already been established by leading hospitals and universities in Europe and North America with excellent results for patients.
Danny McGuinness, President of the Imperial College School of Medicine (ICSM), told Felix, "This is a feasibility study into whether it is a possible or worthwhile activity. Hence, I believe it to be important that we should not start panicking. Instead, I shall be discussing the matter with all relevant parties and let our feelings be heard. It does not necessarily mean the merger of the two hospitals, merely that the trusts running them would be combined."
However, there are concerns over how such an initiative could affect the future of Charing Cross Hospital, reinforcing the concerns of Greg Hands MP reported in this , newspaper earlier this year (1340). "This could indeed be a very exciting development for the NHS, a truly world-class teaching and research institute could be created and that would be an excellent facility for the students of ICSM. I am confident that the ICSM Student Union will be kept abreast of developments. One final point however - what this means for Charing Cross remains to be seen," said McGuinness.
Sir Richard Sykes' history for controversial mergers speaks for itself, although on this occasion, the amalgamation might just be beneficial for all concerned.
