Update on the change of control of AT Medics Ltd
On 30 November 2023, the NHS was asked by AT Medics for authorisation for a change of control. The change of control was of the ownership of Operose Health Ltd to be transferred from MH Services International (UK) Ltd, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, to T20 Osprey Midco Ltd. The NHS then commenced a due diligence exercise to assess the standing of the new owner and understand any implications of the change of control, including making formal enquiries to Operose Health Ltd.
AT Medics Ltd was set up by GPs in 2004 and is a large provider of general practice services. It was acquired by Operose Health Ltd in 2021 who are ultimately owned by Centene Corporation. AT Medics Ltd holds seven Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS) contracts in north east London. AT Medics Ltd is part of the Operose Health Group, which holds a number of other contracts in London and elsewhere in England. The practices in north east London are:
- •The Loxford Practice – Redbridge
- •Lucas Avenue Practice – Newham
- •Carpenters Practice – Newham
- •E16 Health – Newham
- •Trowbridge Surgery– City & Hackney
- •Goodman’s Field Centre – Tower Hamlets
We have since been informed that a ‘change of control’ took place on 28 December 2023. The NHS was not informed of this at the time. We were written to on 15 March 2024 to inform us. Under the terms of the APMS contracts, providers may not undergo a change of control without the NHS’s prior authorisation. In light of this new information the NHS is now considering its next steps.
We want to make clear that this change of control does not impact patient access to current GP services. Our priority as we move forward is ensuring that local patients continue to have access to high quality general practice care.
T20 Osprey Midco Ltd, the new owner of Operose Health is part of the same group of companies as HCRG Care Group, an existing provider of APMS contracts to the NHS, and both are owned by T20 Pioneer Midco Ltd.
All general practices work under contract to the NHS and whether owned by GPs or other organisations must be able to meet strict standards and regulations that apply to all NHS providers.
The change of control is a change in ownership and does not result in any change to:
- •The legal entity holding the APMS contracts (AT Medics Ltd);
- •The APMS contracts themselves; and
- •The services AT Medics Ltd are required to provide, including locations, opening hours and service standards (including in respect of access and staffing).
AT Medics Ltd has previously informed the NHS that there are no intentions to change service delivery or the personnel involved in providing care. This remains the case and has been re-asserted at meetings between AT Medics and the NHS since 15 March 2024.
The NHS will continue its due diligence process to ensure the NHS has all the information needed regarding the companies involved so that the NEL ICB Primary Care Contracts Sub Committee can consider the options available and make a decision about what steps will be taken next.
The next Primary Care Contracts Sub Committee will take place virtually on 21 May 2024, 1-3pm. More information is available here:
North East London Primary Care Contracts Sub-committee – NHS North East London (icb.nhs.uk)