Dr Foster Intelligence to be sold off by DH

Dr Foster Intelligence is to be marketed for sale by the Department of Health (DH) as part of the government's Spending Review initiatives.

The DH and Dr Foster Holdings LLP are to sell off all shares in the organisation, a move which maximises its desirability to potential buyers and will ultimately result in Dr Foster becoming completely independent of the government.

This decision comes after a review of strategic options for the business and will allow the DH to provide better value for money for taxpayers.

At the same time, the sale will ensure that Dr Foster Intelligence remains free to continue providing innovative, comprehensive and transparent information on the healthcare sector.

Dr Foster Intelligence's chief executive Tom Moloney said: "All parties believe that an independent Dr Foster Intelligence will be best placed to help its customers and stakeholders implement the information revolution called for in health services."

Earlier this year, Dr Foster Intelligence was awarded the best of show accolade at the IPA Best of Health Awards 2010 in the consumer/patients category for an advertising campaign conducted on behalf of NHS Sutton and Merton Urgent Care Services.