IN LESS than a month Hinchingbrooke Hospital will make history as the country’s first NHS hospital to pass into private management and Hunts Post readers have been sharing their thoughts on its future.

IN LESS than a month Hinchingbrooke Hospital will make history as the country’s first NHS hospital to pass into private management, and Hunts Post readers have been sharing their thoughts on its future.

We asked readers to describe what they love and what they would like to change about the district’s hospital, ahead of the hand-over to new management team Circle on February 1, and the responses have been flooding in.

Praise for the staff is so far top of the list in features people love about the hospital. Reader Diana Hagues of Holmehill, Godmanchester, wrote: “What I love about Hincingbrooke Hospital is the quality of care is excellent, especially in midwifery, A&E and ultrasound. The staff were caring and friendly.”

William Bloomfield of North Street, Huntingdon, said: “I really found out how good the staff were, from ambulances, nurses and doctors, when I was admitted to this hospital. Can’t give enough praise.”

The size of the hospital was also seen as a positive. Mr M Maidment of Westfield Road, Ramsey, said; “Our hospital is the right size. Large enough to offer all but the most specialised services. More accessible and less dauthing than Addenbrooke’s and Peterborough.”

But there has been criticism over timekeeping and parking arrangements. Mr B W Nicholls of Eaton Socon called for better keeping of appointments for outpatients. He said: “My last appointment radiology 12.10.2011 at 10am called at 11.45am and the eye clinic is not much better.”

There is still time to add your views. Circle, which has signed a 10-year contract to manage the hospital, is keen to hear from anyone who has had experience of Hinchingbrooke, whether good or bad.

Whoever you are and whatever your background, you can help shape the future of this 223-bed facility.

Fill in the form below, stating in no more than 25 words what you love about Hinchingbrooke and one thing you would like the new management to change.

INFORMATION: All comments, which will be passed to Circle, should be sent to Hinchingbrooke’s Future, The Hunts Post, 30 High Street, Huntingdon PE29 3TB before Friday, January 20. Alternatively you can e-mail your comments to contactus@circlepartnership.co.uk.

Please give your name, address and a contact telephone number in any correspondence.