01.02.12
The slippery slope
The view that competition is inherently harmful has been undermined today with the publication of a report from the Office of Health Economics’ Commission on Competition in the NHS.
Whilst they warn that competition is not applicable in all cases, and must be considered carefully before implementation, it can offer improvements in performance, care and integration.
Controlled, regulated competition is the answer, they suggest. Of course it is the slippery slope which many within the NHS fear; once competition becomes acceptable in certain circumstances, it may start to be used in different ways, with price competition replacing quality competition.
Maintaining the balance between constant competition and refusing to use a tool that could potentially improve services presents a challenge, but one the NHS should work to achieve.
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