PLANS to transfer the running of Stroud Hospital to a social enterprise outside the NHS have been postponed.
Gloucestershire Care Services Community Interest Company was due to take over management of the hospital on Saturday, October 1.
However, following a legal challenge the plans have been postponed.
NHS Gloucestershire said it did not know how long the plans would be on hold but it was committed to the move.
The affected services - community hospitals, therapy services and district nurses - and 3,000 staff were due to be transferred to the Community Interest Company on Saturday.
But Michael Lloyd, 75, from Stroud, launched a legal case on 22 September, saying the plans were unlawful.
Chief Executive of NHS Gloucestershire, Jan Stubbings said: "We wish to resolve outstanding matters to ensure a seamless transfer and therefore we have support to take additional time to do this if required.
"We would like to minimise any uncertainty for staff and patients at this time and everyone can be confident that access to high quality care and treatment will continue to be available as matters relating to the transfer of services are resolved."
ORIGINAL ARTICLE COURTESY OF STROUD NEWS AND JOURNAL - CLICK HERE FOR THEIR WEBSITE.
