RUH approvals in place for acquisition of the RNHRD

The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH) Board of Directors and Council of Governors have now approved proposals for the acquisition of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases NHS Foundation Trust (RNHRD).

This follows approval by the RNHRD Board of Directors, formally supported by the RNHRD Council of Governors earlier this month.

In the New Year, a joint application will be put forward to the health regulator, Monitor.

Pending their agreement, it is anticipated that the earliest the transaction will take place is the beginning of February 2015.

To ensure the proposed acquisition delivers the shared ambition of maintaining and enhancing patient care, the RUH is developing an integration plan with the RNHRD to describe how all their clinical services will continue to be provided in line with commissioner requirements.

Patients will continue to be seen and treated at the RNHRD as usual whilst our hospitals work together to deliver the proposed acquisition.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

• The RNHRD NHS FT is a national specialist rehabilitation and rheumatology hospital based in Bath. Offering services to adults, children and young people, the Trust has expertise in:
  
  
• Rheumatological conditions
• Chronic pain management including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Fatigue Management (CFS/ME and cancer survivorship fatigue)

The RNHRD has an excellent reputation for research both nationally and internationally. Research informs the RNHRD's treatment programmes and contributes to a better understanding of many of the conditions in which the hospital specialises.

• Acquisition of RNHRD services: As a result of significant and longstanding financial challenges the RNHRD cannot continue in its current form and needs to become part of a larger organisation. The RNHRD Trust Board has outlined a strategic intent to be acquired by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH).
• Aim of the proposed acquisition: To continue and enhance the provision of the highest quality clinical services.

More information can be found online at www.ruh.nhs.uk/about and www.rnhrd.nhs.uk/about-us

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