Department of Health criticised for undermining third sector providers
Third sector leaders are outraged by a decision by the NHS Co-operation and Competition Panel responsible for competition rules to drop an enquiry that could've helped grant the right to deliver health services via a social enterprise model.
The Panel had been investigating a case initially brought to them by ACEVO (the Association of Chief Executives of Vountary Organisations) and the NHS Partners Network since 5 January but yesterday made the decision to discontinue its investigation.
The case in question centred around a decision made by NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney to withdraw a tender opportunity to the community sector after Andy Burnham, Health Secretary, described the NHS as the 'preferred provider' of NHS services.
However, the Panel ceased its investigations upon receiving a letter from the Department of Health's Director of Commissioning and System Management Gary Belfield that outlined new guidance which indicated that PCT boards were required to reivew future plans and secure approval from the Department of Health in rthe direction of their preferred option.