Monitor backlog holds up community services transfer to Royal Bolton

The services are due to be transferred as part of the national Transforming Community Services programme, under which all PCTs were due to divest themselves of their provider arms by the end of 2010-11.

But the Bolton transfer is one of six in the North West to have been delayed by a backlog at foundation trust regulator Monitor, which has to assess the impact of the transactions, according to a report to the strategic health authority’s May board meeting.

The other delayed transactions are to foundation trusts Lancashire Care and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.

The NHS North West report adds: “We will maintain regular performance management for all transactions that have yet to be completed. In October/November 2011, we will undertake a 6 months business review, which will include the following questions:

• When was the transaction completed?

• What has been the effect on service provision?

• What has been the patient experience?

• Have there been any clinical issues or failings?

• Is there any identified best practice that will have a significant impact on improving clinical outcomes, contribution to QIPP, safeguarding?”