One foundation trust and five independent providers have been shortlisted as potential bidders for a franchise to run an NHS hospital in the East of England.

Six organisations of 11 that expressed an interest have qualified to take part in the tender to run Hinchingbrooke Health Care Trust.

This process is a first for the NHS, and we’re very pleased with the high level and quality of interest received so far

They are Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Care UK (Partnership Health Group Limited), Circle Health, Interhealth Canada (UK), Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health.

NHS East of England said they had demonstrated they had appropriate experience of offering acute services, including emergency and maternity care, either independently or “through a formal partnership arrangement with a high quality provider from the NHS or independent sector”.

They are being invited to enter the first stage of the tender with results expected by the end of February.

East of England director of strategy Stephen Dunn said: “We want to make sure that the best partner is found for Hinchingbrooke Hospital, and that’s why we cast our nets wide to pull in the best possible expertise.

“This process is a first for the NHS, and we’re very pleased with the high level and quality of interest received so far.”

Mr Dunn previously told HSJ the SHA might be prepared to pay a subsidy to keep the hospital running, and it has not ruled out incorporating community services into the franchisee’s contract, which could make it more attractive to potential bidders.

Hinchingbrooke chief executive Mark Millar said: “Patients and staff should be reassured by the level of scrutiny that potential partners are being subjected to.

“It is imperative that the right partner is found as patients deserve consistency and the very best services.”

NHS Cambridgeshire chair Maureen Donnelly said: “As the main commissioner of services at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, NHS Cambridgeshire is carefully examining the bids to ensure patients will get the right services that are good value for money for the NHS and for the taxpayer.”

The franchise will last for about seven years, and staff and assets will stay in the NHS.

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