Merger Integration

With the divestment of PCT provider arms, and the new FT pipeline, more organisations are looking at integrating with other organisations through partnership or merger. Organisations are embarking on integration with other organisations to achieve improvements in the patient pathway and to achieve cost efficiencies across organisations. We help members at key stages in this process:

1. Rationale for integration

Organisations looking to seek benefits from closer associations with other organisations, including GP providers, need to carefully consider which area will bring the most benefit in terms of patient pathways or cost reduction. This should be done in advance of an offer being considered to ensure that the right partnerships are sought. We have developed a partnership assessment tool that helps members to carefully consider the opportunities available to them.

2. Stages of integration

This stage is to reassure stakeholders concerning the governance and legal requirements of the transaction. We have helped members with the project management of this stage, and building the case for change to convince stakeholders and regulatory authorities of the benefits of the integration.

3. Getting the benefits out

Often this is the most neglected part of the merger process, but there is a clear need to fully engage the wider organisation in planning and implementation to ensure that the benefits of the integration are realised. This will need to be a plan that delivers quick wins, at the same time as setting up the structure to realise long term value.

As a trusted third party, we have been asked by members to facilitate working groups to design redesigned pathways and to set up the working relationships to make these changes sustainable. We then work with members to design performance management systems that track the changes to ensure that the expected benefits are delivered.

For further information, please contact Elliot Howard-Jones on elliot@nhselect.org.uk.