Two FTs in line to take over services of scandal-hit trust

Following a procurement process overseen by NHS Improvement, Bridgewater Community Healthcare FT has named the preferred provider for community services in Liverpool from April next year, while Mersey Care FT is set to take responsibility for services in Sefton.

The tender process for services run by Liverpool Community Health Trust was launched after damning report detailed a catalogue of governance and care failings between 2011 and 2014, which were likened to those found at Mid Staffordshire FT.

NHSI announced the preferred providers on Thursday afternoon, and will now carry out detailed financial and regulatory checks.

There have been concerns that the new contract will reduce the amount spend on community care by Liverpool CCG. The value of the contracts has not yet been published.

The Liverpool contract will involve Bridgewater working in a partnership with Liverpool City Council and Liverpool General Practice Provider Organisation, the city’s GP federation.

Mersey Care will work in partnership with 5 Boroughs Partnership FT to deliver the Sefton contract.

NHS Improvement’s executive regional managing director for the North, Lyn Simpson, said: “I am pleased that Bridgewater and Mersey Care will now take forward a plan for more joined-up NHS care and want to thank all our local partners for their help in bringing about the progress we have made to date.”

Rosie Cooper, MP for West Lancashire, said the organisations should “be clear that any future cost savings will not be done by cutting quality to patients or on the back of hard-working, committed and dedicated staff by cutting staff pay.”