Cambridge pulls out of bidding process for Hinchingbrooke Hospital franchise

CAMBRIDGE University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has withdrawn from the bidding process to operate Hinchingbrooke Hospital as a franchise. The trust was identified as one of the interested parties hoping to become the new operating partner for Huntingd

CAMBRIDGE University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has withdrawn from the bidding process to operate Hinchingbrooke Hospital as a franchise.

The trust was identified as one of the interested parties hoping to become the new operating partner for Huntingdonshire's Healthcare NHS Trust.

However, this week it was revealed Cambridge - which runs Addenbrooke's Hospital - had withdrawn from the process due to time and money restraints.

A spokesman said: "The competitive bidding process will involve considerable investment of both time and money. Continuing to take part would have an impact on services at Addenbrooke's and the Rosie. Accordingly, we have decided to withdraw from the project."

The five organisations still in the process are Care UK, Circle Health, Interhealth Canada Ltd, Ramsey Health Care UK and Serco Health.

Each organisation has submitted possible solutions for the long-term management and sustainability of the hospital that will be assessed by a panel of stakeholders.