CCG faces judicial review over consultation with patients on procurement

The first of its kind, the legal action is being brought against Bristol’s CCG by campaign group Protect our NHS.

The claimant will argue that the CCG is failing to consult patients despite “a clear legal duty” to have arrangements to do so and that its health services procurement policy is thus unlawful.

Rosa Curling, a solicitor at law firm Leigh Day who is representing Protect our NHS, said: “There is a clear legal duty on NHS bodies, such as CCGs, to involve the public in their decision making.

“The multiple reports and recommendations that followed the Mid Staffordshire tragedy highlight again and again how important it is that NHS bodies listen to patients.”

She added: “We hope the CCG will see the error in their approach so this legal claim can be resolved without further delay.”

A Bristol CCG spokeswoman said: “The CCG is disappointed by the claim made by Protect our NHS as our policy is robust and we are active in engaging and involving local people and organisations.

“The CCG is entitled to retain a degree of flexibility as to what will be the extent of engagement in any given situation given that the value and nature of different services varies widely. The CCG will be defending this claim.”