The transfer of paediatric services from Cambridgeshire Community Service to North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust will cost £1m - but will provide “cost effective continuity” for patients, a new report says.

The transfer of paediatric services from Cambridgeshire Community Service to North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust will cost £1m - but will provide “cost effective continuity” for patients, a new report says.

The board of directors of Cambridge & Peterborough NHS Clinical Commission Group (CCG) were told of the decision at a public meeting held his week (Tuesday).

Louise Mitchell, chief operating officer CCG, asked the board to approve the proposal to transfer all paediatric services to NWAFT as it will ensure “continuity” for paediatric inpatient and outpatient services.

However, Dr Mark Brookes, GP member CCG, questioned the transfer: “I want to know if this transfer is necessary and will it lead to a loss in jobs at Hinchingbrooke.”

He added: “I think the tax payers who are going to foot this bill should have the right to know what they are getting for their £1m, and if it is good value or not.”

Jan Thomas, chief officer CCG, replied: “The figure we have been quoted is only what the costs could be, and yes it is up to £1m. The management of the CCS paediatric staff at Hinchingbrooke will be transferring to the management of North West Anglia NHS Trust. However, the paediatric services will remain on site at Hinchingbrooke.”

The general consensus among board members was that the transfer of paediatric service was a good thing for both of the hospitals and patients, and that the £1m costs involved are acceptable. Accordingly they approved the proposal.

A joint statement issued on behalf of John Peberdy, children’s services director of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and Dr Kanchan Rege, medical director of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, has been issued.

It reads: “Cambridgeshire Community Services (CCS) NHS Trust and North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAngliaFT) are working on plans to transfer the management of the inpatient and outpatient Children’s Services based in Hinchingbrooke Hospital and the employment of these staff to NWAngliaFT.

“Children’s services at the Hinchingbrooke site are delivered by committed professionals that are highly valued by local families for their quality and accessibility.

“This will not change as a result of a transfer taking place. The existing range of services delivered will continue to be provided by the same clinicians at the Hinchingbrooke Hospital site.

“The additional investment agreed by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group at its board meeting on January 7 is welcome news and will enable additional staff to be employed to continue to provide a high quality service for local families at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.”

Both CCS NHS Trust and NWAngliaFT say that they are committed to ensuring a “smooth transfer and continuity of services”.