Report comment

OFT was not a factor in Portsmouth Hospitals withdrawal as it was approved by co-operation and competition panel some time ago. OFT "flexing their muscles" over pathology consortia is a recent thing. Pathology reconfiguration was a DH work stream. There is even a letter from David Nicholson that actively encourages Trusts to work together to share pathology services. There is a growing awareness in the NHS that Acute Trusts need to collaborate or die in order for us to improve services in primary and community care without additional money. If the OFT continues to behave in this way it is a barrier to reform.