They propose to work with Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust

West Middlesex University Hospital has announced that Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust is the preferred bidder to explore a potential partnership to achieve Foundation Trust status.

In February West Middlesex Hospital was chosen to expand its Accident & Emergency and Maternity units under new plans announced by NHS chiefs to upgrade it to a major hospital.

The decision up upgrade West Mid as a major hospital was part of the controversial NHS changes which saw four A&E departments closed in north-west London, despite fierce local opposition. Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith, Central Middlesex and Ealing Hospitals were designated as 'urgent care centres' to deal with less serious incidents. A campaign group, 'Save Our Hospitals' is still fighting against the changes.

West Middlesex University Hospital

In a joint statement today (April 5), West Mid Chief Executive Dame Jacqueline Docherty and Chairman Tom Hayhoe said: “Over the coming months we will work closely with Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust to submit a Strategic Outline Case to the NHS Trust Development Authority for approval to develop a Full Business Case. This is a significant step in securing a vibrant future for the West Middlesex site as a major provider of services to our local residents.

“Ahead of any formal approval of this process, we remain committed to delivering high quality clinical services whilst the partnership option is explored. This includes delivering the recommendations of the Shaping a Healthier Future programme in conjunction with our commissioners and local health and social care providers. We also look forward to continuing our long standing collaborative relationship with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust with whom we share many joint clinical appointments.

Dr Nicola Burbidge, Chair of Hounslow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “Hounslow CCG will continue to support West Middlesex University Hospital and Chelsea and Westminster as they develop a case to determine whether a partnership can deliver further improvement in healthcare for local Hounslow residents and secure Foundation Trust status for the site. We are delighted that West Middlesex has been designated a major hospital and this will provide a firm foundation on which this partnership can develop.”

April 5, 2013