Chair Of NHS Cooperation And Competition Panel Announced, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 12 Sep 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The first chair of the panel that will ensure that competition between the NHS and Independent Sector Providers, for NHS-funded services is fair and transparent, was announced by Health Minister Ben Bradshaw.

Speaking at the CBI conference 'NHS: Healthier at 65?,' Ben Bradshaw confirmed that Lord Carter of Coles will take up the post of Chair and Director of the new Cooperation and Competition Panel from October, which will play an important role in serving the interests of patients and taxpayers.

The panel will advise the Strategic Health Authorities and the Department of Health, and (for compliance issues) Monitor, on resolving disputes relating to competition for NHS-funded services. It will have the specific responsibility for considering complaints about issues associated with the procurement of clinical services, advertising and promotion, and the merger or acquisition of healthcare providers where an NHS body is involved. It will only consider disputes where these have not been able to be resolved locally.

Health Minister Ben Bradshaw said:

"Since 1997 record levels of investment alongside reform have led to a transformation in the NHS. Waiting lists have been slashed, the quality of care has improved and the NHS is more responsive to patients needs.

"Competition has played an important role in driving up quality and responsiveness of healthcare services and increasing value for money. We have designed a system for the NHS where competition works, through patients exercising their choice of provider and through open and fair competition to provide services. The Cooperation and Competition Panel will ensure that providers operate on a level playing field, safeguarding the interests of patients and taxpayers."

Commenting on his appointment, Lord Carter of Coles said:

"I am very much looking forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the work of the Panel is transparent and effective in contributing to the ongoing Reform agenda of the NHS."

Geoff Benn, vice-chairman of the NHS Partners Network, representing major Independent Sector providers, said:

"We are pleased that the Department of Health has now appointed Lord Carter of Coles as Chair of the new Cooperation and Competition Panel and look forward to working closely with him. We particularly welcome the fact that he has substantial commercial experience in the sector. The Panel has a vital role in helping to shape the NHS provider market, ensuring that there is a fair and level playing field and that competition plays a full and constructive part in securing the highest quality NHS patient care."

Notes

1. The Government made a commitment to establish the Cooperation and Competition Panel, a non-statutory, independent advisory body, in November 2007

2. Health Minister Ben Bradshaw was speaking at the CBI Conference, 'NHS: Healthier at 65?' on Thursday 11 September 2008.

Department of Health, UK

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