MPs launch inquiry into Hinchingbrooke Hospital

clock • 1 min read

The Parliamentary Public Accounts committee will question key witnesses following Circle's decision to withdraw from the contract for Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

On 9 January 2015 Circle announced that they were looking to withdraw from the contract, shortly after their statement a report from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) found care at the hospital was below standard was issued.

Hinchingbrooke was the first NHS hospital to be run by a private sector provider. 

The first meeting of the inquiry will be on Monday 2 February 2015 and witnesses called include Steve Melton the chief executive officer of Circle Holdings and David Behan, chief executive of the CQC.

Topics for questioning will include the causes and consequences of the termination of the contract, safeguarding of patients and the financial sustainability of services at the hospital.

A report by the committee in 2013 expressed concerns that: "Circle's bid was not properly risk assessed and that Circle was encouraged to submit overly optimistic and unachievable savings projections.

"While some financial and demand risk has been transferred to Circle, the NHS can never transfer the operational risk of running a hospital leaving the taxpayer exposed should the franchise fail."

More on PMI

 Spectrum.Life appoints head of insurance
PMI

Spectrum.Life appoints head of insurance

Ian Ranger joins

Jaskeet Briah
clock 27 February 2025 • 1 min read
Simplyhealth expands health test offering
PMI

Simplyhealth expands health test offering

26 new in-clinic health tests

Jaskeet Briah
clock 13 February 2025 • 2 min read
Perci Health expands virtual cancer clinic services
PMI

Perci Health expands virtual cancer clinic services

Cancer prevention programmes

Jaskeet Briah
clock 04 February 2025 • 3 min read

Highlights

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

"It takes longer than ever to get underwriting terms"

John Brazier
clock 12 October 2023 • 5 min read
Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

According to latest ReMark report

John Brazier
clock 11 October 2023 • 2 min read
ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

Women within executive teams have grown to 32%

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 October 2023 • 3 min read