The deal, which would see Circle assume the financial risks of making this failing NHS hospital more efficient and would also involve the paying off of its debts, is indeed a positive step forward.  However, it is a shame that this is not a full privatisation of the hospital.  It a tragedy that Hinchingbrooke will remain in the NHS. It would have been a much better for this hospital to be put in to full private ownership and for the NHS to become simply a funder and purchaser of its services. That said, it is good news that the staff will be given shares in Circle.

Overall, what has been announced today is another step in the right direction, and in this context is generally welcomed by Nurses for Reform.

I have an article published today on the Adam Smith Institute Blog.  Titled “The Micropolitics of Hospital Privatisation” it details the actions that NFR believes must be taken to improve UK healthcare provision. You can read the full text here.