PART 1Health service in England: integration, collaboration and other changes

NHS foundation trusts

I1I265NHS foundation trusts: mergers, acquisitions and separations

1

The National Health Service Act 2006 is amended as follows.

2

In section 56 (mergers)—

a

in subsection (2), omit paragraph (a);

b

for subsection (4) substitute—

4

NHS England must grant the application if—

a

it is satisfied that such steps as are necessary to prepare for the dissolution of the trusts and the establishment of the new trust have been taken, and

b

the Secretary of State approves the grant of the application,

and must otherwise refuse the application.

3

In section 56A (acquisitions)—

a

in subsection (3), omit paragraph (a) and the “and” at the end;

b

for subsection (4) substitute—

4

NHS England must grant the application if—

a

it is satisfied that such steps as are necessary to prepare for the acquisition have been taken, and

b

the Secretary of State approves the grant of the application,

and must otherwise refuse the application.

4

In section 56B (separations), for subsection (4) substitute—

4

NHS England must grant the application if—

a

it is satisfied that such steps as are necessary to prepare for the dissolution of the trust and the establishment of each of the proposed new trusts have been taken, and

b

the Secretary of State approves the grant of the application,

and must otherwise refuse the application.