Join us for a discussion on the nature of competition in the NHS

Twitter bird

It is widely expected that the merger of Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals and Poole Hospital foundation trusts - the first between two FTs - will not be waved through by the Competition Commission without conditions.

The likely decision has raised vexing questions over the nature of the market in the health service, and whether competition law is intefering in care quality.

At 12.30 on Wednesday we are holding a Twitter chat where we will discuss whether the NHS should be a “special case” when it comes to competition law; and if the drive to improve quality is compatible with the requirement to maintain patient choice. Please join in and tell us what you think using the hashtag #HSJmerger.

Subscribers can study the details of the Bournemouth and Poole merger by reading Sarah Calkin’s HSJ Briefing.

Follow HSJ on Twitter: @HSJnews