The final version of the full business case to merge Hinchingbrooke Hospital with the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been published today (Friday).

Amid much public concern about the loss of local services, a joint statement from both chief executives deliveres an assurance that a single organisation would be run from “the current three hospital sites”.

The documents will be put before both hospital boards in the next 10 days and, if approved, will lead to the two organisations becoming one trust on April 1 next year.

In a joint statement, the two chief executives of the hospital trusts, Lance McCarthy of Hinchingbrooke, and Stephen Graves, of Peterborough and Stamford, said: “When we reviewed the full business case in September, both boards were clear that their approval was subject to the consideration of feedback on the integration of clinical services from the independent East of England Clinical Senate, and obtaining further views from staff and members of the public at additional engagement sessions that were held over a six-week period in October and early November.

“We have now gathered this additional feedback and we are satisfied that we have been able to capture a wide range of views and opinions on the merger plan. This has enriched the full business case to ensure we have as robust a plan as possible.

“We must reiterate that our business case states that a single, merged organisation would operate from the three current hospital sites. There are no plans to change the provision of services from current arrangements, our focus remains to jointly deliver care that’s better, safer and local.”

Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust board will meet in the Partnership Suite, Hinchingbrooke Hospital on November 24 at 11.30am.

Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust board will meet in the Board Room, Peterborough City Hospital on November 29 at 1.30pm.

The full business case is available on both hospital’s websites.