Two NHS hospital trusts in Kent and Medway will now form a new working group after an independent review ruled out a merger.
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and Medway NHS Foundation Trust will establish a shared board, starting with the appointment of a group chief executive and group chair.
Medway Maritime Hospital will remain independent from Darent Valley – but the two will work together
The neighbouring trusts, which serve approximately 800,000 people across North Kent and Medway and employ around 10,500 staff at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, and Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham, will remain independent of one another.
The decision follows an independent review, commissioned by NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB), the organisation which plans where NHS money is spent in order to deliver health services within its area.
It recommended that forming a working group between the trusts was the best way to improve patient care and strength services, and ruled out merging the two organisations into a new trust, or continuing as they are now.
When considered previously talks of a merger had not gone down well with Medway residents who feared they would miss out and see services relocated elsewhere.
Despite retaining their own senior local leadership teams the two trusts share the same chief executive at present.
Jonathan Wade, Chief Executive of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and Interim Chief Executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust
Jonathan Wade was appointed interim chief executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust in March and carries out that position alongside the same role at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.
Reacting to the decision, Mr Wade said: “Dartford and Medway are natural partners.
“Both organisations have great strengths and expertise, and we already work together in some clinical and support services.
“By working together as a group, we can better learn from each other, build on what we each do well, and drive innovation that improves patient care and strengthens our services for the future.”
He added: “We are at the start of a journey that will take time with many steps along the way. For our staff and patients, nothing changes now in day-to-day services.
“We are committed to listening to our staff, patients and partners, and learning from experience elsewhere, so that we take the right decisions for our local communities.”
Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford
In June, Mr Wade’s adoption of both roles came under the spotlight as Medway councillors questioned whether it was in the interests of both Trusts.
In response, Mr Wade, who took up the role at the Gillingham hospital on April 1, said it was not easy, but he had a strong team beneath him.
Jackie Craissati, chair of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, said: “Forming a group helps both trusts to set firm foundations for the future, as partners who share a collective passion and determination to bring down waiting times, improve patient care, better support our hard-working staff and improve how we use our resources.”
John Goulston, Chair of Medway NHS Foundation Trust said both trusts will prioritise ways of working that will help them better address their shared challenges
Once appointed, the group chief executive and group chair will start the process to agree how the group will operate, develop shared priorities and a future leadership structure.
John Goulston, chair of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Working as a group can help us to make better decisions that focus our efforts on improving patient care while making best use of limited NHS resources.”
Group working is increasingly common in the NHS, across hospital, ambulance, community and mental health trusts, with two or more working together under shared leadership, while remaining separate organisations.