Legal Experts Call For Reassurances For Patients And Community

Specialist medical negligence lawyers in Cambridge have urged that patient safety remains the priority as the future of Circle Holdings’ operation of Hinchingbrooke Hospital continues to be debated.

The private healthcare operator has confirmed that it is looking to withdraw from the contract, which was first procured in 2009, stating that “significant changes in the operation landscape for NHS hospitals” meant the work was “no longer sustainable”.

In a statement, the company confirmed it is in discussions with the NHS Trust Development Authority regarding its plans, which it stated were influenced by funding issues and pressure on its emergency services.

The move also comes shortly before the release of a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report which is expected to be critical of the hospital.

Following the developments, Irwin Mitchell’s specialist medical negligence lawyers in Cambridge have urged that, amid any uncertainty, the focus remains on ensuring patient safety in the area remains the top priority.

Expert Opinion

The reports which have emerged regarding the future of Hinchingbrooke Hospital are likely to lead to much concern among the local community regarding what the future holds for the site.

"While the next steps for the hospital continue to be debated and discussed, it is absolutely imperative that a clear focus remains on the provision of high quality services and that every effort is made to ensure that patient safety is not affected.

"We also eagerly anticipate the release of the CQC report and hope that, whatever the conclusions, steps are taken to continue to develop and improve the quality of care that patients are able to access.

"It is absolutely key that reassurances are provided to current patients, their families and the local community as a whole regarding the standards of treatment and support available." Guy Forster - Partner