SOUTH London Healthcare Trust could be up for grabs if a new report recommends its break-up.

Among the parties expressing interest in running parts of the debt-ridden trust is Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust which runs Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.

A spokesman for Dartford and Gravesham Trust said: "It is public knowledge that we have registered an interest with the Trust Special Administrator (TSA) in a number of options for the provision of the services at Queen Mary’s Sidcup. 

"The TSA will consider our proposals and test their suitability along with many other possible solutions that are being developed."

Another potential bidder is Oxleas Foundation Trust, a mental health trust that took over the running of community services in Bexley and Greenwich last year.

A spokesman for Oxleas confirmed the trust responded to Mr Kershaw's appeal to providers with an interest in running parts of SLHT.

Chief executive Stephen Firn added: "We are working with the administrator, commissioners and other providers to inform the proposals for sustainable and safe local services.

"As part of this we are involved in discussions about the ownership of Queen Mary’s Hospital and how the services are delivered in the future.

"The administration is required to produce recommendations for a public consultation by the end of October."

Special administrator Matthew Kershaw was appointed to run the debt-ridden trust after it was plunged into administration in July having ended 2011 with a deficit of £69m.

He has to present an interim report to the health secretary by October 29 on what is to be done with SLHT, which runs Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and the Pru in Farnborough.

It is thought Mr Kershaw will recommend the trust be disbanded after 39 health providers including private, voluntary and NHS organisations last month expressed an interest in bidding for sections of the trust, with competition likely to be fierce for the most profitable parts.

A spokeswoman for the administrator said: "The administrator's priority is to ensure patients can access services that are safe, high quality, affordable and sustainable in the long term.

 

"There will be a full public consultation in November and December and no decision will be made about the future of services or organisational structure for SLHT before or during this time.

"The secretary of state for health will make the final decision in February 2013.

"The Trust Special Administrator would like to encourage all patients, public and NHS staff in south-east London to take part in the consultation when it begins in early November."