Overwhelming public support for the creation of the UK's first Academic Health Science Centre

Issued on behalf of Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust, Imperial College London and St Mary's NHS Trust.

For immediate release
1 August 2007

The bid to transform health services in west London has today received a tremendous boost. The consultation (which closed 31 July), shows strong public and staff support for a merger between Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust and St Mary's NHS Trust and integration with Imperial College London.

More than three quarters of respondents thought the merger was a good idea, with many believing that it would lead to better health services, better use of resources and the development of new and innovative solutions to modern medical challenges.

Professor Stephen Smith, the lead officer responsible for the creation of the AHSC said:

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a sea-change to health services in west London. We want to work with our colleagues in primary care to enable residents to stay healthier, live longer and enjoy a better quality of life."

The AHSC will be the first organisation of its kind in the UK, integrating the delivery of clinical services, teaching and research. This approach - joining together hospitals with medical education and research institutes - is in place in other parts of the world and is proven to be a key factor in giving them the world's best healthcare. The AHSC's management structure will look to integrate leadership positions across the NHS and university structures.

Health Minister Lord Darzi called for the creation of AHSC as part of his recent review of London health services.

A submission will now be made to the Secretary of State for Health who is likely to make a decision in September 2007.

If approved by the Secretary of State, the new trust will be created on 1 Oct 2007 and called 'Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust'. The Boards of St Mary's and Hammersmith will continue to discharge their overall responsibilities for the management of their Trusts until the merger.

-ends-

Don Neame
Communications Manager
Academic Health Sciences Centre Programme
Telephone: 020 8237 2018
Mobile: 0771 209 7659
Email: DNeame@hhnt.nhs.uk
Website: www.ahsc.org.uk

Notes to editors:

• More information is available on the website www.ahsc.org.uk or by phoning 020 8237 2018 or writing to FREEPOST AHSC or to the AHSC Programme Office, 2nd Flr Education Block, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Rd, London, W6 8RF.
• Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust and St Mary's NHS Trust were recently rated the second and third best hospitals in the country for clinical performance, quality of care and safety1. Dr Foster Good Hospital Guide 2006 - How healthy is your hospital (April 2007).
• Imperial College is one of Europe's largest medical research institutions and was recently ranked fourth in the world for biomedical research. The Times Higher Education Supplement 2006 world university rankings
• It is expected that Imperial College would sponsor an application for the AHSC to become an Academic Foundation Trust in 2008. This would be subject to a separate consultation.
• This proposal does not include any service changes. Any future proposals will require separate business cases and impact assessments and would be subject to the statutory consultation and scrutiny requirements.
• In December 2006 the AHSC partners were selected as one of the UK's 11 Biomedical Research Centres. The award guarantees the partners research funding of £19.5 million per annum for the next five years, and makes the West London BRC the leading centre for the UK. BRCs will be leaders in translating scientific research into benefits for patients.
• In April 2007, St Mary's Hospital, Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trusts and Imperial College London were announced as one of two Research Centres for NHS Patient Safety and Service Quality in the UK. The £4.5 Research Centre will be based in Imperial College's Biosurgery and Surgical Technology section, at St Mary's Hospital, London.
• In terms of benefits to patients both locally and beyond, the Trusts and Imperial believe the establishment of an AHSC would enable the partners to lead the world in improving human health and provide world-class healthcare for our patients through excellence in research, education and training:
  • Attracting the world's leading clinicians and researchers
  • Reducing the time taken to develop and make available new treatments and services.
  • Supporting initiatives to provide more care in people's homes and community environments
  • Retaining and developing the widest possible range of specialist services and ensuring better quality care for patients with complex diseases and health needs
  • Enabling the development of more modern buildings and facilities