PRINCESS Royal University Hospital should be taken over by a neighbouring trust rather than private companies, according to an official recommendation.
Special administrator Matthew Kershaw says the Farnborough hospital – which provides emergency and maternity services for residents in New Addington – should be acquired by King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
This comes amid sweeping changes to the structure of healthcare in south-east London, due to financial difficulties at the South London Healthcare NHS Trust.
Fears were raised for services at the hospital in November, when Mr Kershaw published draft proposals in which he suggested privatising services.
However, in his final report on Tuesday, he cited the risks of privatisation, opposition to it during a consultation on the plans, and the strong track record of King's College NHS Foundation Trust.
Changes would see Princess Royal and three other hospitals providing emergency care for the most critically unwell patients in south-east London.
Mr Kershaw said: "I do believe that if implemented fully, they will help deliver safe, high quality, affordable and sustainable services for the people of south-east London into the future."
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has until early February to decide whether to approve the recommendations.