The Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire met on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, to discuss the proposed formal merger of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust and United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The committee resolved to note the proposed merger and to establish a working group to prepare a response to the public engagement exercise. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the coming months.

Formal Merger of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust and United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

The committee considered the proposal to formally merge Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) and United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH) into a single NHS Trust by April 2027. This merger would build upon the existing group arrangement, which has been in place since April 2024, and aims to remove duplication in governance, develop a joined-up digital system, and simplify patient pathways. NHS England has approved the strategic outline case, and a full business case is currently being developed. A 12-week public engagement exercise is set to launch shortly to gather views on the proposed organisational model and the shift towards community-based care.

During the discussion, Councillor Mrs Jane Smith raised concerns about the move of care into the community, questioning whether it would be better monitored and if recruitment challenges would be addressed. Daren Fradgley, Deputy CEO of Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, assured the committee that a clinical services strategy is in place to support this ambition.

Councillor Christine Collard, drawing on her experience as a senior nurse, highlighted the potential need for increased training for staff transitioning between acute and community settings, and questioned if this was adequately budgeted for. Fradgley acknowledged the importance of staff development and noted that the merger could offer greater career progression opportunities.

Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders sought reassurance that the merger was not solely about cost-saving, but about removing barriers to better patient care. Fradgley confirmed that streamlining systems and improving patient experience are key objectives. Makinson-Sanders also expressed a desire to see more detail on the advantages for specific sites, such as the community hospital in Louth.

Councillor Kelham Cooke supported the establishment of a working group, posing questions about the specific patient benefits of a formal merger compared to the current group structure, how these benefits would be measured, and how local accountability would be maintained, particularly for rural and coastal communities. He also raised concerns about transitional risks and safeguards during the integration process. Fradgley stated that the group would be happy to provide a more detailed briefing on these points.

Councillor Christopher John Reeve inquired about the potential impact of local government reorganisation on the merger proposals, and whether issues with cross-border patient flows would be exacerbated. Fradgley confirmed awareness of these plans and offered a detailed response.

Councillor Calum Watt welcomed the proposal, particularly in relation to removing bureaucracy, and asked how the merger would specifically aid in bringing care closer to home and what barriers currently existed. Fradgley explained that the merger would streamline processes, enabling faster delivery of care ambitions.

Councillor Robbie Woods sought clarification on how the merger would benefit South Lincolnshire, specifically residents in Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge, and whether more services could be made available locally. This point was noted for inclusion in further briefings.

A discussion ensued regarding the establishment of a working group versus having the topic as a formal agenda item. It was agreed that a working group would be established, with at least three core members, but with all committee members invited to participate. The working group's aim will be to prepare a well-informed response to the public engagement exercise. Councillor J McGhee volunteered for the working group and raised important questions about how hard-to-reach groups would be engaged in the public consultation and what baseline response numbers were expected. Councillor Maggie Cullen also welcomed the merger and inquired about any teething problems identified during the group arrangement that might cause issues before the formal merger.

The committee resolved to note the proposed merger and to establish a working group to respond to the public engagement exercise. The following members volunteered for the working group: Councillor Calum Watt, Councillor J McGhee, and Councillor P C Wimhurst. Councillor Richard Cleaver also indicated he would participate as an impartial chair.

Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire - Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the coming months. The next meeting is scheduled for 14 October 2026, with agenda items including an update from North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Winter Planning in Lincolnshire for 2026/2027. The committee also discussed potential future agenda items, including patient services hubs, the impact of the Health Bill on Healthwatch, and GP services. Councillor J McGhee raised concerns about the patient services hub and the changes to Healthwatch, which were noted by the Health Scrutiny Officer, Kiara Chatziioannou. Councillor P C Wimhurst suggested that summer pressures, in addition to winter pressures, should be considered in future reports on NHS planning.

The committee resolved to note the confirmed items of business for forthcoming meetings and to identify items for inclusion or removal from the work programme.