A merger between hospitals does not lead to better care. The Authority Consumer & Market conclusion after examining mergers between fourteen hospitals in the years 2007-2013.
Directors of hospitals often use the argument that a merger is good for patients because the quality of care would improve. "We do not see reflected in the research," says ACM CEO Chris Fonteijn.
The regulator wants hospitals therefore now concretely build quality benefits. That will be critically assessed. In addition, the ACM finds that hospitals often other less restrictive forms of cooperation should consider in order to achieve the desired quality benefits.
Quality and experiences
The effects of fusions were examined on 97 points. Who were both on the quality of care and on patient experience, waiting times and mortality rates. The data were compared with hospitals that have not been fused.
The ACM also examine the price effects of the merger, considering or hospitals work cheaper. The results of this study are expected next year.
By: NOS Editors: Photo: Reuters
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