South Staffordshire and Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust Conduct Complaint

Midlands Psychology has asked the CCP to assess whether South Staffordshire and Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust has acted inconsistently with the Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition. Midlands Psychology has alleged that South Staffordshire and Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust's conduct following the award of a contract by South Staffordshire PCT to Midlands Psychology for the provision of Autistic Spectrum Disorder services has made it more difficult for Midlands Psychology to provide services to patients under the contract. Midlands Psychology submits that this is inconsistent with Principle 5, rule 4 of the Principles and Rules which states that commissioners and providers must not take any actions which restrict choice against patients' and taxpayers' interests.

The CCP is assessing this issue under the conduct provisions of the Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition and will decide whether the conduct of South Staffordshire and Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust is likely to give rise to an adverse effect on patients or taxpayers.

The CCP would welcome submissions from interested individuals and organisations on any matter relevant to the CCP's assessment of this case 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 10 March 2011.