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The health sector regulator has closed its investigation into the commissioning of radiosurgery services.

This was the first investigation to take place under the NHS purchasing rules designed to protect the interest of patients.

Monitor has decided that the best way to address the issues raised by the case would be through guidance for commissioners rather than making formal findings.

Thornbury Radiosurgery Centre had complained that the process adopted by NHS England to decide which providers should deliver this specialised service, did not operate in the best interest of patients.

Thornbury, which is owned by BMI Healthcare Ltd and Medical Equipment Solutions and based in Sheffield, provides radiosurgery services such as gamma knife surgery which treats lesions of the brain.

NHS England has confirmed that it has now entered into a contract with Thornbury for gamma knife surgery.

Catherine Davies Executive Director, Co-operation and Competition said "In the circumstances we think the best way forward to ensure patients benefit from what we have learned in this case is to close the investigation and develop some best practice advice for commissioners."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• For further information please contact the press office on 0203 747 0800 or  press.office@monitor.gov.uk
• Details of the investigation can be found here
• In Yorkshire and Humber the predecessor body to NHS England was the North of England specialist commissioning group
• Best practice advice for commissioners drawing on the lessons learned from the investigation will be published in the spring
• Monitor is the sector regulator of NHS-funded health care services. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 its main duty is to protect and promote the interests of people who use them.
• Information about Monitor's role can be found here
• Follow Monitor on Twitter @MonitorUpdate