Is it? It's just bringing some control back into the department, not changing anything structurally. It was announced in such a strange way, feels a bit on the hoof.
We're on the same page, I'm not sure why you think I'm arguing against what you're saying, I agree. I have worked for a trust and understand why there is variation.
It's not necessary in Coventry which is largely pedestrianised already, to the extent that buses do not reach anywhere more conveniently than any other form of transport.
I think NHS procurement of common goods and services at national level ignores that suppliers treat each trust as a separate entity (because it is), so the supposed benefits of it are lost.