The NHS North West dispute avoidance and resolution process (DARP) has been put in place to resolve disputes which relate to the principles and rules for cooperation and competition.
The national competition panel requires that all avenues to achieve local resolution have been exhausted before submission to the strategic health authority (SHA). NHS North West Dispute Avoidance Resolution Process was ratified in November 2008.
If you have a complaint which you believe falls within the remit of the principles and rules for cooperation and competition and would like to discuss before formally referring please contact the casemanager@northwest.nhs.uk. If you would like to formally refer a complaint to the SHA please complete the assessment forms provided in the following link: Dispute Avoidance Resolution Process (DARP) Forms for completion
Any complaints or disputes must be referred to the Primary Care Trust (PCT) concerned in the first instance.
View PCT contact details.
For any help or advice concerning complaints, please contact the Case manager email address or telephone 0161 625 7221 / 7199.
Department of Health related system management related documentation:
Principles and Rules for Cooperation and Competition
Framework for managing choice cooperation and competition
Procurement guide for commissioners of NHS-funded services
Code of practice for the promotion of NHS-funded services