SIX organisations have been shortlisted to operate the continue discussions with the NHS about a proposed franchise of the management of Huntingdon s Hinchingbrooke Hospital, the first NHS trust for which both health service and independent sector provide

SIX organisations have been shortlisted to operate the continue discussions with the NHS about a proposed franchise of the management of Huntingdon's Hinchingbrooke Hospital, the first NHS trust for which both health service and independent sector providers have been invited to bid.

A new partner is being sought to ensure the continuity of services at the hospital, in a way that is financially viable and sustainable over the long term, according to NHS East of England, the strategic health authority.

If the process proceeds as planned, the successful partner will take over the operation of the hospital, with staff and assets remaining within the NHS, possibly from April next year for seven years.

The organisations that have qualified to continue dialogue are Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge (formally Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) and five private-sector providers: Colchester-based Care UK (Partnership Health Group Limited), London-based Circle Health and Ramsay Health Care UK, Interhealth Canada (UK) Ltd from Cheshire, and the multi-national Serco Health.