19.05.14
Monitor steps in over north west pathology merger
Monitor is to review a proposed merger of pathology services between two trusts in the north west of England.
The regulator will undertake a first phase review of the proposed partnering of the pathology services of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust and St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Southport said its own pathology directorate is “simply too small to be viable on its own”.
As part of the review, Monitor will assess whether the proposed partnership might adversely affect patients and taxpayers. Additionally, under its memorandum of understanding with the NHS Trust Development Authority (TDA), the regulator will provide its advice to the TDA on the impact of this transaction on choice and competition.
If Monitor finds that there could be a problem for patients as a result of a reduction in choice and competition, it will then undertake a second phase of review to assess whether the potential patient and taxpayer benefits of merger outweigh the loss of choice and competition. Monitor expects to conclude the first phase of its review by 11 July 2014.
Damian Reid, deputy CEO/finance director at the Southport & Ormskirk trust, said in a briefing earlier this year: “Although the move will save money, the main driver is quality. Southport & Ormskirk’s pathology directorate is simply too small to be viable on its own. We have long-standing consultant vacancies in both cellular pathology and biochemistry that have proved impossible to fill, and we are also struggling to maintain scientific staffing levels in the blood science department. As well as economies of scale, a larger laboratory will allow greater subspecialisation and also bring the professional benefits of a larger pool of colleagues.
“Currently, it is expected that the microbiology and cellular pathology departments at Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust (SOHT) will physically move to Whiston Hospital some time during 2014-15. The blood sciences department (biochemistry, blood transfusion and laboratory haematology) and the mortuary and bereavement service will remain physically based at SOHT.
“There should be no impact on services received by primary care or consultants within the trust.”
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