Health services market testing--the experience of the community services review team in British Forces Germany.

Abstract

During 1993-1995 the health services in British Forces Germany were subjected to a market testing process by which the primary, community and acute health services for the British Servicemen and women, their families and attached civilian staff, a population of 70,000, were put out to competitive tender with the then current provider, the Defence Medical Services, as one tenderer for the contract. This paper outlines the methodology developed by the Health Alliance Community Services Review team in formulating a successful bid. It is considered that the process outlined could be of value to those involved in future market tests, commissioning projects or performance improvement programmes.