Wiltshire patients will be able to continue accessing services provided by Bath’s Mineral Hospital, after the hospital’s acquisition by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust was approved.

Health sector regulator Monitor announced today that the proposed acquisition of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases NHS Foundation Trust (RNHRD) by the RUH has now been approved.

Joining with the RUH will secure the future of the renowned specialist services of the RNHRD and allow patients to continue to access world class care and expertise. The acquisition will officially take place on February 1.

The RNHRD endoscopy service is the only clinical service to move to the RUH site on day one. Combining the RNHRD and RUH endoscopy services will give patients access to a greater choice of appointments and the assurance of nationally accredited standards of care.

Patients, GPs and other relevant partners have already been engaged with and informed of this change.

James Scott, Chief Executive of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m very pleased to announce that the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases will be part of the RUH as of the 1 February.

“We remain committed to providing the highest quality healthcare and to continuing to offer these specialist services to patients.”

“I wish to thank all the staff from both organisations who have worked so well together to ensure a smooth transition for our patients and I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the RUH.”

All other RNHRD clinical services will continue to be provided from the RNHRD hospital site and patients will be seen and treated by the same team of staff.

Kirsty Matthews, Chief Executive of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Securing the future of our high quality services has been at the heart of planning for the acquisition and together we have achieved this objective as a result of the hard work and dedication of our teams.

“On behalf of the RNHRD Trust Board I would like to thank all our employees for their continued professionalism and commitment to maintaining high standards of care throughout and beyond this process.”

Continuation of high quality services is at the heart of the three-year transition programme that will see a phased approach to integrating services.

Careful planning, engagement and consultation will take place with patients and relevant partners over any future changes.

Dr Ellie Korendowych, RNHRD Medical Director, said: “Joining with the RUH provides a real opportunity for our services to thrive. We are looking forward to working more closely with our colleagues at the RUH to share expertise for the continued benefit of our patients.”