THE Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued its final clearance for the proposed merger between Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Following an in-depth investigation and the publication of provisional clearance last month, the CMA has now formally concluded that the proposed merger, if completed, will not give rise to a substantial lessening of competition for patients and means the trusts are now able to move forward to the next stage.

Nick Moberly, chief executive of the Royal Surrey County Hospital said: “Today’s announcement, published ahead of the CMA’s final deadline of October 7, marks an important milestone in our planning and is a very positive step forward.

“Subject to approval by both boards later in the autumn, we will then embark on a wide engagement campaign to ensure people understand what these proposals mean for both patients and staff, and to hear their views.”

Subject to full regulatory, board and governor approvals, the earliest start date for the proposed new organisation would be summer 2016.