WIREDGOV

Monitor is to review a proposal to merge the pathology services of Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust and Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

The plan for a joint venture called Brighton, Surrey and Sussex Pathology (BSS Pathology) is the first transaction to be reviewed by the sector regulator under its partnership agreement with the NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA), which is responsible for NHS trusts.

Monitor will undertake an initial review of pathology services in the local health economy and whether merging the departments together might result in a loss of choice and competition that adversely affects patients and taxpayers.

If Monitor finds that there might be a reduction in choice and competition to the detriment of patients and taxpayers, the review will move to a second phase, which will include a detailed analysis of whether the potential patient and taxpayer benefits of merger outweigh the loss of choice and competition.

Monitor will publish its findings and advice to the NHS TDA at each stage of the inquiry, but the final decision will be a matter for the parties and the NHS TDA.

In accordance with the partnership agreement, we expect to complete the initial phase of our assessment by 12 March 2014, and the second phase, if required, by 7 July 2014.