The trust that runs the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals in Dorset needs to save £30m over the next three years, it has said.
The trust said it was responding to a predicted "freeze" in NHS funding from 2011. Proposals include leasing out space at Christchurch Hospital and sharing resources with other hospitals.
The Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has begun a 12-week public consultation. The British Medical Association (BMA) has predicted that the NHS will freeze hospital tariffs to 0% from 2011, which would mean there would be no increase in the amount of funding trusts would be allocated.
Rated 'excellent'
The trust said it needed to "remove 15% of operating costs (£1 in every £6) whilst maintaining quality and safety, and broadly treating the same number of patients". In response to this it has proposed leasing parts of Christchurch Hospital to the private sector. Another plan being considered is to team up with Poole and Dorchester hospitals to centralise some acute services, such as spinal work, urology and gastro treatment, rather than offering the treatment at all hospitals.
The Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was rated "excellent" by independent healthcare watchdog Care Quality Commission last year. The trust scored 100% in assessments of safety and cleanliness, waiting to be seen, standard of care, dignity and respect, keeping the public healthy and good management.
