A DECISION by health bosses to award a multi-million-pound contract to a private health company is coming under scrutiny today.

Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) recently said Bupa was the preferred bidder for a £235 million deal to manage services dealing with bone, muscle and joint problems.

Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, which had wanted to continue providing the musculoskeletal (MSK) service, said the move could have an impact on its accident and emergency departments in Worthing and Chichester.

This is because its staff who work in MSK care are also responsible for emergency trauma care in A&E and the services are linked.

The CCG insists there are no plans to destabilise A&E services and Bupa has already said it wants to work closely with the trust.

Both sides will speak at a review of the decision at West Sussex County Council’s health and adult social care select committee meeting today. The committee is seeking reassurances from the CCG that any changes will not impact on other services.

The contract talks between Bupa and the CCG will go on.

George Findlay, trust medical director, said: “Our priority remains the welfare of all our patients and we welcome the scrutiny of this decision.”

Katie Armstrong, CCG clinical chief officer, said: “The CCG is concerned about the speculation around the future of local A&E departments.

“There is no intention to destabilise these services. I can absolutely guarantee that the CCG will continue to commission A&E and trauma services from Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust.”