Overview

The Department of Health (DH) is consulting on a range of radical initiatives linked to the Health White Paper.

One of these: 'Liberating the NHS: regulating healthcare providers', concerns its proposal to establish Monitor as an economic regulator for the healthcare sector. Monitor will have the duty to licence providers of NHS funded services, set tariffs and promote competition in the health and social care sector.

This analysis relates to the Government's plans for Monitor to promote competition in the sector. Further Wragge & Co briefings will be provided on other aspects of the proposed Monitor reforms.

The Government's plans for competition in the NHS represent a step change in the move towards patient choice and contestability in the NHS. This briefing summarises the key changes and comments on their implications.