NHS Suffolk ‘parks’ provider arm with North Essex Partnership FT

NEPFT has been selected as the preferred partner and to be the interim provider of universal adult, specialist children’s and certain specialist adult community services for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012.  

Seven trusts were invited to express their interest in providing an interim hosting arrangement and three bids were received.

Martin Royal, NHS Suffolk’s director of corporate services, said: “In coming to this decision our priority has been ensuring the continued high quality of care for patients. NEPFT was chosen as their ethos is most closely aligned with what we want to achieve. 

“Over the next 12-months, in close collaboration with GPs, patient and public representatives and other health and social care partners we will work towards identifying a long-term host/s for community services in Suffolk.”

Andrew Geldard, chief executive of North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are experts in community care and very close by. We will do the best possible job, and with local staff, make sure there is no disturbance for patients and their families.”