An investigation has been opened by sector regulator Monitor into whether two clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have been unfair in the commissioning of routine care.
Blackpool CCG and Fylde and Wyre CCG have been accused of disadvantaging patients, inconsistent to the NHS competition rules which came into force in April 2013.
Monitor will gather evidence from the complainants – Spire Healthcare – and the two CCGs involved before deciding how to proceed.
An investigation has been opened by sector regulator Monitor into whether two clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have been unfair in the commissioning of routine care.
Blackpool CCG and Fylde and Wyre CCG have been accused of disadvantaging patients, inconsistent to the NHS competition rules which came into force in April 2013.
Monitor will gather evidence from the complainants – Spire Healthcare – and the two CCGs involved before deciding how to proceed.
Spire Healthcare claims that patients were directed away from the Spire Fylde Coast Hospital and towards Blackpool Victoria Hospital, in a move that is not in the patients' benefit.
Catherine Davies, executive director of co-operation and competition at Monitor said: “The investigation is at an early stage and Monitor has not yet reached a view as to whether there has been any breach of the rules. We are now seeking further information from the organisations involved. If we find that a breach has occurred we will investigate whether patient interests have been negatively affected by these decisions."
