ACCC chairman Rod Sims said a number of submissions had been by health insurers and medical professionals about the organisation's bid to take over Wollongong Day Surgery, but he was keen to hear from more community members.

"We would like to understand people's experience of Wollongong Day Surgery and their experience of facilities owned by Ramsay in the region - what's different, what they value, and what they won't have later if the merger proceeds," Mr Sims said.

"We want to find out what they think they would lose if the two combined; either in terms of price or quality? And to what extent do they see Shellharbour Private Hospital as an alternative."

Ramsay currently operates Figtree, Lawrence Hargrave, Southern Highlands and Nowra private hospitals and will open Wollongong Private Hospital in early 2016.

It wants to purchase the day surgery - currently owned by a group of local doctors - which sits in the shadow of the emerging 149-bed private hospital in Crown Street.

The ACCC has been investigating that bid since March and last week issued a Statement of Issues, citing concerns that it could result in higher prices and fewer options for day surgery in the region.

Mr Sims said the ACCC had concerns that the acquisition could see higher prices charged to private health funds and the Department of Veteran Affairs, as well as everyday patients.

"There have been concerns raised by health funds about the merger as they are concerned that if it goes ahead, and there's only one dominant competitor in the day surgery market, then they will have to accept Ramsay's rates," he said. "This of course then flows on to the consumers of health funds who will have to pay more, as well as to the people who are uninsured and need to utilise these services."

A possible decline in the quality and quantity of offerings was also a concern for the competition watchdog.

"Competition is fundamental to making our market economy work," Mr Sims said. "It works through companies having the incentive to do the right thing by consumers, and they only have that incentive through competition.

"For instance, if an organisation has a direct competitor down the road, and that competitor opens up for longer hours then maybe it will too. The absence of competition means organisations may not serve people as well.

"So what we're trying to do is make sure there's enough competition for day surgery services in the Illawarra, and community members can help in forming our view by letting us know their experiences."

The ACCC is calling for further submissions by July 2; its final decision will be announced on August 27. For details go to ACCC's public register.

lwachsmuth@fairfaxmedia.com.au