First NHS hospital taken over by private company

Circle Health, a private company, is set to manage a hospital in Cambridgeshire to address a £40 million debt. The move is seen as a significant shift in NHS management, with Circle Health expected to improve services and productivity. The decision has political and social implications, with unions expressing concerns about profit motives affecting patient care. The franchise will last 10 years, pending approval from the Treasury and Department of Health.

What was the primary reason for transferring the management of Cambridgeshire hospitals to Circle Health?

• To expand hospital facilities

• To introduce new medical technologies

• To clear a significant financial debt

• To improve patient care quality

How has Circle Health impacted the NHS treatment centers it currently manages?

• Increased operational costs

• Improved productivity and reduced waiting times

• Reduced service quality

• Increased patient waiting times

What broader agenda does the transition to Circle Health align with?

• The coalition government's big society agenda

• The reduction of healthcare staff

• The privatization of all public services

• The expansion of hospital infrastructure

What is a major concern of the unions regarding the privatization of hospital management?

• Increased hospital closures

• Profit motives affecting patient services

• Reduction in hospital staff

• Higher treatment costs for patients

What is expected of other hospitals following the management change at Hinchingbrooke?

• To expand their facilities

• To reduce their staff numbers

• To balance their financial books

• To increase their patient capacity