Search results

1 – 3 of 3
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 13 January 2022

Edward John Maile, Mahima Mitra, Pavel Ovseiko and Sue Dopson

Hospital mergers are common in the United Kingdom and internationally. However, mergers rarely achieve their intended benefits and are often damaging. This study builds on…

691

Abstract

Purpose

Hospital mergers are common in the United Kingdom and internationally. However, mergers rarely achieve their intended benefits and are often damaging. This study builds on existing literature by presenting a case study evaluating a merger of two hospitals in Oxford, United Kingdom with three distinct characteristics: merger between two university hospitals, merger between a generalist and specialist hospital and merger between two hospitals of differing size. In doing so, the study draws practical lessons for other healthcare organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed-methods single-case evaluation. Qualitative data from 19 individual interviews and three focus groups were analysed thematically, using constant comparison to synthesise and interpret findings. Qualitative data were triangulated with quantitative clinical and financial data. To maximise research value, the study was co-created with practitioners.

Findings

The merger was a relative success with mixed improvement in clinical performance and strong improvement in financial and organisational performance. The merged organisation received an improved inspection rating, became debt-free and achieved Foundation Trust status. The study draws six lessons relating to the contingencies that can make mergers a success: (1) Develop a strong clinical rationale, (2) Communicate the change strategy widely and early, (3) Increase engagement and collaboration at all levels, (4) Be transparent and realistic about the costs and benefits, (5) Be sensitive to the feelings of the other organisation and (6) Integrate different organizational cultures effectively.

Originality/value

This case study provides empirical evidence on the outcome of merger in a university hospital setting. Despite the relatively positive outcome, there is no strong evidence that the benefits could not have been achieved without merger. Given that mergers remain prevalent worldwide, the practical lessons might be useful for other healthcare organisations considering merger.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 1 March 1984

Raymond R. Panko

Office work has grown explosively in this century. Once a small occupational category, office work now includes about 40 percent of the American work force. Yet office work…

276

Abstract

Office work has grown explosively in this century. Once a small occupational category, office work now includes about 40 percent of the American work force. Yet office work continues to be “the familiar unknown”: we worry about its growing size, we are concerned about its productivity, and we design systems to improve it; but our real knowledge of what goes on in the office is very shallow. This article discusses only a few of the many subtle facets of office work that vendors and users must understand to meet the needs of this attractive, but difficult market.

Details

Office Technology and People, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0167-5710

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 1 October 1962

It speaks well for the work of the ad hoc committee on the use of Chemical Preservatives in Food appointed by the then Minister of Health about forty years ago that the result of…

58

Abstract

It speaks well for the work of the ad hoc committee on the use of Chemical Preservatives in Food appointed by the then Minister of Health about forty years ago that the result of their work—the Public Health (Preservatives, etc., in Food) Regulations, 1925—should have lasted so long with relatively small amendment. The framework of these first regulations has been kept in the new Preservative in Food Regulations, 1962, which came into operation in July. Before 1925, boric acid, salicylates, formaldehyde and fluorine compounds were used extensively in foods without any real control and in so many different foods that the cumulative hazard was considered dangerous.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 64 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

1 – 3 of 3
Per page
102050