Monitor investigates proposal to merge pathology services in the north west of England
16 May 2014 03:34 PM
Monitor is to review a
proposed merger of the pathology services of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital
NHS Trust and St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, in the north
west of England.
The health sector regulator will
undertake an initial review of the pathology services in the local area and
determine whether the proposed partnership might adversely affect patients and
taxpayers.
If Monitor finds that there is
likely to be a negative impact on patients, the regulator will look into
whether the potential patient and taxpayer benefits of the merger outweigh the
loss of choice and competition.
The regulator will publish its
findings at each stage of the inquiry, but the final decision will be a matter
for the trusts involved and the NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS
TDA).
ENDS
Notes to
editors:
- For further information please
contact Kirk Ward, Media Relations Manager, on 020 3747 0800 or email press.office@monitor.gov.uk
- Monitor is the sector regulator
of NHS-funded health care services. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012
its main duty is to protect and promote the interests of people who use them.
Information about Monitor’s role can be foundhere.
- In proposed mergers involving
NHS trusts only, Monitor and the NHS TDA work according to a partnership
agreement. More information can be found here.
- Follow Monitor on
Twitter @MonitorUpdate
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