Bennett appointed chairman of Monitor
pharmafile | February 18, 2011 | News story | Sales and Marketing | Monitor, NHS
Monitor, the body which will take on a powerful new role in regulating competition in the NHS, has a new chairman.
In terms of power and influence, Monitor’s role in England’s health service will be second only to the new NHS Commissioning Board, to be led by David Nicholson.
The new reforms allow ‘any willing provider’ to provide services in the NHS, opening up the health service to significantly increased competition. The new Monitor will regulate the new market to ensure fair competition is established, and that it results in benefits for the taxpayer and patients.
A former chief policy advisor to Tony Blair when he was Prime Minister, and an ex-McKinsey management consultant, Dr Bennett has been chosen because of his experience in ‘regulated, technology-intensive industries’.
The government wants to see it take on a three-fold role: regulating prices where necessary for NHS services, promoting competition where appropriate; and supporting commissioners in ensuring the continuity of essential services.
The exact definition of its role could still be altered, however, as the new health reform legislation goes through Parliament.
The issue of whether or not competition on price will be allowed under the new reforms remains unclear, even though health secretary Andrew Lansley has signaled his approval of price competition.
Bennett has held the role of interim chief executive of Monitor for nearly 12 months, but has been chosen to take on the two-days a week role of chairman instead. As chairman, Bennett will now be responsible for appointing a full-time chief executive for Monitor.
Dr David Bennett said: “The successful implementation of this next phase of reform for health and adult social care, if agreed by Parliament, will be critical to ensuring that the sector can continue to provide affordable, high quality care, and Monitor will play a central role in making sure this is so.”
Andrew McConaghie
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