The potential merger of Norfolk and Suffolk's mental health services has been delayed.

Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust had planned to merge with its Suffolk counterpart on July 1.

However this date will now be put back as NHS regulatory body Monitor is not due to make a decision until the end of July.

Acting chief executive Andrew Hopkins said: 'Monitor has begun its review and is concentrating on the business plan and the competition issues associated with the merger.

'We are working well together to complete this process.

'Monitor is due to deliver a decision on the merger at the end of July, which has seen us rethink our proposed merger date of July 1.

'We have some more discussions planned with key groups before we set a new date.

'This slight delay is not a reflection on the merger—the programme is on-track and we are confident of its progress.'

The Co-operation and Competition Panel has recommended the merger does not go ahead, saying it would have an adverse effect on patient choice and competition.

People interested in news about the merger can register for updates by emailing merger.pmo@nwmhp.nhs.uk and putting 'register me for updates' in the subject line.