One of the smallest healthcare trusts in England is hunting for a takeover partner to help combat its £8.3 million debts.
Trafford Healthcare has already been described as being 'financially challenged,' by NHS chief executive David Flory and is now actively seeking a larger partner for merger or acquisition opportunities.
The site, which was initially known as Park Hospital, is well known for being the 'birthplace of the NHS,' as it was the first hospital in the country to offer free healthcare to all, from 1948.
Despite the trust's £94 million turnover, bosses are unconfident that they will be able to make the savings required of them by the NHS over the next four years.
Trust chair Fay Selvan said, “The Trust Board is committed to finding a partner who will continue to drive these improvements in patient care, retain services in Trafford and continue the work we have begun to improve our estate.”
Prior to any acquisition activity, consultations will be held with patients, doctors and the general public in the local area.
The trust is already in talks with other local trusts, including Salford, South Manchester and Central Manchester, but will also consider merging with a trust further afield.
