NHS Leicester City has announced the preferred bidder to take on the long-term management of four city surgeries. The Practice - a public limited company founded by GPs - has been selected to run Asquith, Cross Street and Rushey Mead surgeries as well as Sayeed Medical Centre, 352 East Park Road. Currently NHS Leicester City manages all these practices apart from Sayeed Medical Centre, East Park Road, which is run under a temporary contract held by East Leicester Medical Practice. The preferred bidder was selected from a total of 18 bids from both the public, private and charitable sector. Patients were involved in the selection process from sharing their views on priorities, to site visits with potential providers and forming part of the bidder interview panel. Hussain Adam, Chair of East Park Road's Patient Participation Group, said: "I was very happy to take part in this process. We wanted to ensure continuity of care and sensitivity to cultural issues and believe we've recommended the best bidder. It's very important patients have the opportunity to be included in this way." Toby Sanders, NHS Leicester City's Director of Primary and Community Care, said: "Securing the long-term management of these practices was a clear priority to ensure continued improvement in quality of care and value for money. Patients and clinicians have been involved throughout the process so we are confident the new providers will meet their needs." The Practice is already working with 12 primary care trusts across the country to run surgeries and GP-led health centres. Debbie Raven, Chief Operating Officer, said: "We are thrilled to be selected as the new provider. We look forward to welcoming both new and existing patients to all four surgeries and to develop the services on offer to meet the needs of local residents. Working closely with the healthcare community in Leicester will also be key to the success of this project." The contract for all four surgeries is worth more than £5 million over five years. The majority of clinical staff at the surgeries will be transferred to the new provider when they take over from April this year. | 
