Surrey NHS trust approved to take over Berkshire authority

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Heatherwood and Wexham Park as inadequate

The planned takeover of a Berkshire NHS trust by a neighbouring authority has reached a major stage of approval.

In February, Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was rated as inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey was given the go-ahead for the takeover by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Trust bosses hope the move will "improve services for local people".

Areas of improvement

In a statement, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: "The board at Frimley Park Hospital continues to work on the full business case.

"Once completed it will go through the process of securing the necessary board, governor and regulatory approvals.

"In the meantime we are delighted to be working more closely with Heatherwood and Wexham Park to help lift the trust's performance and improve services for local people."

Heatherwood and Wexham Park was placed in special measures two weeks ago.

In its report, the CQC identified areas for improvement including staffing levels, A&E waiting times and surgical cancellations.

Special measures status involves implementing a series of urgent improvements to care and management.