Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (QVH) has confirmed plans to progress a strategic partnership aimed at securing the long-term sustainability and resilience of its specialist services.
At a meeting held in public on Tuesday (16 December), QVH’s Board of Directors agreed to proceed with a proposed partnership with Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and the Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust group (RSFT & ASPH), following a detailed appraisal process.
The decision comes after months of evaluation involving clinicians, staff, patients and key stakeholders. A potential partnership with Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) was also considered as part of the review.
QVH said the appraisal process clearly recommended RSFT & ASPH as the preferred strategic partner. However, the trust stressed it remains committed to continuing close collaboration with SASH and other NHS partners to ensure a joined-up, system-wide approach to patient care across the region.
Abigail Jago, Acting Chief Executive Officer at QVH, said the move marked a significant milestone for the specialist hospital.
“This is an important step for QVH as we look to secure our future and continue delivering world-class care for patients,” she said. “A strategic partnership will help us strengthen our specialist services and support our long-term sustainability for the benefit of patients and staff, whilst retaining our unique identity.”
QVH Chair Jackie Smith said the Board’s recommendation followed a thorough and inclusive process.
“We believe this partnership offers the best opportunity to strengthen QVH for the future,” she said. “At the same time, we will continue to work collaboratively with other NHS organisations to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients across the region.”
Following QVH’s decision, the Boards of Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust group are expected to meet in the New Year. A period of mutual planning with QVH will then begin to shape the next stages of the partnership.
QVH, based in East Grinstead, is internationally recognised for its specialist services, including burns care, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. The trust says the proposed partnership is designed to protect and enhance these services for future generations of patients.
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