Major NHS review to explore new structure for Humber hospitals

A major review of the organisation responsible for hospitals across Northern Lincolnshire and Hull is moving into its next phase, with NHS leaders set to examine whether changes are needed to the way services are organised.

The Humber Health Partnership, which oversees both Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, was placed into NHS England's Intensive Recovery Programme earlier this year.

The partnership covers five hospital sites across the region, including Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby and Scunthorpe General Hospital.

The first stage of the review has now been completed. According to the partnership, it focused on examining the current organisational structure and identifying areas that require further investigation.

A second phase will take place over the summer and involve clinical leaders, commissioners and partner organisations. One of the key questions will be whether the current arrangement between the two trusts remains the best model for patients and staff.

That could include looking at whether the trusts should work even more closely together, or whether alternative arrangements would provide greater long-term stability.

Alan Downey, Chair of Humber Health Partnership, said: "This is an important piece of work for the Partnership and for the communities we serve.

"The first phase has helped draw together the evidence and identify the questions that now need more detailed consideration.

"The next phase is about looking carefully at these questions, involving clinical leaders and key partners, and making sure any future proposals are evidence-based, realistic and focused on what is best for patients, colleagues and local communities."

Partnership leaders stressed that no decisions have been taken and that the review remains part of a wider programme of improvement work.

Group Chief Executive Lyn Simpson said: "This review is part of that journey. It is about making sure we have the right organisational arrangements in place to support safe, high-quality care, and long-term sustainability.

"The first phase has concluded, no decisions have been taken, and the next stage will involve further detailed work with clinical leaders, colleagues and partners."

NHS England says the review is designed to address challenges that are "deep-rooted and structural" rather than simply day-to-day operational issues.

The review is expected to conclude later this summer.