Planning

Soft Market Testing – Pharmacy Aseptic Services Joint Venture

  • University Hospitals Plymouth

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-004422

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0608eb

Published 19 January 2026, 3:10pm



Scope

Description

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) is exploring options for the development of a new Pharmacy Aseptic Services suite. The proposed facility is intended to provide a comprehensive range of aseptic services including:

Chemotherapy preparation

Centralised Intravenous Additive Services (CIVAS)

Outpatient Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT/OPIT) support

Clinical Trials aseptic support

Future-proofed capacity for expected demand growth

As part of this appraisal, the Trust is considering a range of potential delivery and funding models, including the possibility of forming a Joint Venture or other partnership with the private sector.

The purpose of this soft market testing exercise is to understand:

The level of interest from suppliers and investors in partnering with the Trust

The range of commercial, technical, and operational models available in the market

Key risks, dependencies, and proposed approaches

Potential timelines and delivery routes

Options that best support service continuity during construction

This exercise is not a call for competition, nor part of a formal procurement process. Responses received will help shape the Trust's strategy and any potential future procurement.

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2037
  • 10 years

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 33000000 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products
  • 85149000 - Pharmacy services
  • 85145000 - Services provided by medical laboratories

Engagement

Engagement deadline

4 February 2026

Engagement process description

Following this notice, the Trust intends to hold individual supplier discussions with interested parties. These will be held on the morning of Tuesday, 4 February 2026, between 08:00 and 11:00, with specific time allocations based on the level of interest received.

Prior to these sessions, the Trust will circulate a brief slide pack summarising the project scope and areas where market input is sought.

How to Respond:

Interested organisations are invited to express their interest via the Atamis messaging portal.

Please include:

A brief summary of your organisation

Relevant experience with aseptic services or healthcare partnership models

Your preferred time window for the 4 February discussion

The Trust may issue follow‑up questions or request additional information ahead of the individual sessions.


Contracting authority

University Hospitals Plymouth

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWJW-1642-HQRM

Derriford Road

Plymouth

PL6 8DH

United Kingdom

Contact name: Paul Drummond

Telephone: 01752 434915

Email: p.drummond@nhs.net

Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/

Region: UKK41 - Plymouth

Organisation type: Public authority - central government