They already operate under one banner, St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group, known as Gesh, which formed in 2021.
However, bosses say following Board approval at the end of last week, they now intend to merge the two hospital trusts.
A spokesperson says it could take two years to complete, and any eventual merger does not mean immediate changes to services.
We’re told the two Trusts remain legally separate organisations, each with its own statutory Board.
However, they operate with one Group Executive Leadership Team, which they say enables “closer collaboration and more consistent leadership across the Group while building on the strong foundations of both Trusts.”
A spokesperson says:
“We believe this merger will be an important step to secure a sustainable future for our hospitals, our people, and the patients we care for. In the shorter term, improving access to services for patients, working with the ICBs on the development of clinical services for South West London and Surrey and continuing to bring down our financial deficit remain our priorities for the year ahead.”
