Section 175 – Objective of trust special administration
1069.This section introduces an objective for trust special administration: to secure the continued provision of NHS services, as determined by commissioners, having regard to the criteria in subsection (3).
1070.That criterion is whether, in the absence of alternative arrangements, ceasing to provide a particular service would either have a significant adverse impact on the health of persons in need of health care services, or on health inequalities, or cause a failure to prevent or ameliorate a significant adverse impact on the health of such persons, or on health inequalities.
1071.Subsection (4) specifies that when determining whether the criterion is met commissioners must have regard to current and future need for the provision of the service and whether ceasing provision of services would significantly reduce equality of access to health care services, as well as such other matters as may be specified in guidance by Monitor on the application of the criteria.
1072.Monitor would be required to develop such guidance. Before publishing the guidance or re-publishing revised guidance, Monitor would have to obtain the approval of the Secretary of State and the NHS Commissioning Board.
1073.Subsections (7) and (8) set out the role of the NHS Commissioning Board, which is to be responsible for facilitating agreement between CCGs in determining requirements for securing continued access to NHS services to meet the needs of their communities. Where agreement cannot be reached, the Board would make the decision.