Referral of NHS England decision on PET-CT Scanning to Secretary of State

Following a procurement process run by NHS England for the contract to run the Thames Valley regional PET-CT scanning service, which has been provided by Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford since 2005, OUH wrote to the Chairman of  the Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) to ask the committee to consider the issue at a meeting in public.

At their meeting today (Thursday 4 April 2019), Oxfordshire HOSC heard from members of the public, clinicians and patients. OUH Chief Executive, Dr Bruno Holthof, and Trustwide Cancer Lead, Mr Nick Maynard, addressed the committee. Representatives from NHS England and InHealth were also present to address the committee and answer questions.

The HOSC has decided to exercise its power to refer the matter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Due to the HOSC decision, no changes will be made to the current PET-CT service at the Churchill while this process is ongoing.

Dr Bruno Holthof, Chief Executive of Oxford University Hospitals, said: "I would like to thank the Oxfordshire HOSC for agreeing to our request to examine this issue.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many patients who have contacted us, HOSC and NHS England to say how much they value the current PET-CT service at the Churchill.

"We are grateful for their support and also that of our local MPs and our governors who have spoken out on this issue."