Proposed merger of acute services between University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and North Bristol NHS Trust

University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and North Bristol NHS Trust are proposing to transfer certain acute services, namely head and neck, ear, nose and throat, and oral and maxillo-facial services; symptomatic breast care services; and urology surgical services. The Cooperation and Competition Panel (CCP) has decided that the proposed transfers constitute mergers of the relevant services. The CCP understands that these service transfers are interdependent, and so it intends to assess them within the framework of a single merger review.

Consistent with its merger guidelines, the CCP will examine the costs and benefits of the proposed transfers of these services to patients and taxpayers, in order to ascertain whether the transfers are consistent with Principle 10 of the Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition. In doing so, the CCP will consider the effect of the transfers on patient choice and competition for hospital and community based health services in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and any other relevant surrounding areas.

The CCP welcomes submissions in writing from interested individuals and organisations on this issue or any other matter relevant to the CCP's assessment of this transaction under the Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition. To submit evidence please use the email address: cases@ccpanel.gsi.gov.uk.

The closing date for initial submissions is 22 February 2013.