Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
NHS England
Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd
London
SE1 8UG
Contact
Jessica GaucherThompson
jessica.gaucher-thompson@nhs.net
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKJ1 - Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Health
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Most Suitable Provider: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 85100000 - Health services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
This is a notice of intention to make an award in respect of the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) Process for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages (Lot 1: North West and Lot 2: North East and Yorkshire). For the avoidance of doubt, this is an intention to award notice. A notice of the confirmation of the award of each contract will be issued once they are signed.
The service is commissioned in England for two specific indications in line with NHS England published Service Specification: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages).
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-services-all-ages-Service-specification-January-2025.pdf
The aim of the service is to deliver Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) where clinically appropriate for those suffering from Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.
The above aim will be achieved by:
(a) Providing 24 hour a day access to specialist clinical assessment by a Hyperbaric physician for patients who have symptoms following diving or exposure to altered pressure environment, or who may have had gas enter their circulation by another mechanism (gas embolism).
(b) Where appropriate, onward referral or discharge of patients who do not require HBOT
treatment for Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.
(c) 24-hour access to HBOT where clinically appropriate.
(d) HBOT delivered in facilities that are well maintained, comply with all relevant regulations, and follow best practice guidelines.
(e) HBOT facilities are staffed with suitably qualified, experienced teams with skills that are actively maintained.
(f) The delivery of care that is integrated with other services including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, and other healthcare professionals as required.
(g) Wherever possible, supporting the return of the service user to their pre-injury level of function, including referral to return to diving assessment if appropriate.
(h) Engaging in relevant research and development of HBOT and actively engage in national audit and data collection for the HBOT service.
(i) Working with relevant agencies and clinicians to support education and prevention initiatives.
Decompression Illness
Decompression illness arises from exposure to an altered pressure environment, most often from diving. There is a total of approximately 150 - 200 cases in England per year.
Gas embolism
Cases of gas embolism arise from introduction of gas into a patient’s circulation, most often inadvertently during a medical procedure (iatrogenic gas embolism). There are currently approximately 10 cases in England per year.
The Commissioner intends to award contracts following the Most Suitable Process to 2 providers which are existing providers of this service.
The approximate lifetime value of the contract for both Lots is £13,887,945.
The services will start on 1st April 2026 and the initial period will run until 30th September 3030 with an option to extend for up to a further 1+1 years ( full contract term 6.5 years).
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £13,887,945
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 1 - North West
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85100000 - Health services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKD - North West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The service is commissioned in England for two specific indications in line with NHS England published Service Specification: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages).
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-services-all-ages-Service-specification-January-2025.pdf
The aim of the service is to deliver Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) where clinically appropriate for those suffering from Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.
The above aim will be achieved by:
(a) Providing 24 hour a day access to specialist clinical assessment by a Hyperbaric physician for patients who have symptoms following diving or exposure to altered pressure environment, or who may have had gas enter their circulation by another mechanism (gas embolism).
(b) Where appropriate, onward referral or discharge of patients who do not require HBOT
treatment for Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.
(c) 24-hour access to HBOT where clinically appropriate.
(d) HBOT delivered in facilities that are well maintained, comply with all relevant regulations, and follow best practice guidelines.
(e) HBOT facilities are staffed with suitably qualified, experienced teams with skills that are actively maintained.
(f) The delivery of care that is integrated with other services including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, and other healthcare professionals as required.
(g) Wherever possible, supporting the return of the service user to their pre-injury level of function, including referral to return to diving assessment if appropriate.
(h) Engaging in relevant research and development of HBOT and actively engage in national audit and data collection for the HBOT service.
(i) Working with relevant agencies and clinicians to support education and prevention initiatives.
Decompression Illness
Decompression illness arises from exposure to an altered pressure environment, most often from diving. There is a total of approximately 150 - 200 cases in England per year.
Gas embolism
Cases of gas embolism arise from introduction of gas into a patient’s circulation, most often inadvertently during a medical procedure (iatrogenic gas embolism). There are currently approximately 10 cases in England per year.
The Commissioner intends to award this contract following the Most Suitable Process to the existing provider of this service.
The approximate lifetime value of the contract for Lot 1 - North West is £6,965,741.
The services will start on 1st April 2026 and the initial period will run until 30th September 3030 with an option to extend for up to a further 1+1 years ( full contract term 6.5 years).
two.2.5) Award criteria
Cost criterion - Name: Most suitable provider process with regard to the key Criteria / Weighting: 100
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Following the initial 4.5 years the Commissioner has the option to extend for up to a further 1 + 1 years
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 2 : North East & Yorkshire
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85100000 - Health services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The service is commissioned in England for two specific indications in line with NHS England published Service Specification: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages).
https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-services-all-ages-Service-specification-January-2025.pdf
The aim of the service is to deliver Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) where clinically appropriate for those suffering from Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.
The above aim will be achieved by:
(a) Providing 24 hour a day access to specialist clinical assessment by a Hyperbaric physician for patients who have symptoms following diving or exposure to altered pressure environment, or who may have had gas enter their circulation by another mechanism (gas embolism).
(b) Where appropriate, onward referral or discharge of patients who do not require HBOT
treatment for Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.
(c) 24-hour access to HBOT where clinically appropriate.
(d) HBOT delivered in facilities that are well maintained, comply with all relevant regulations, and follow best practice guidelines.
(e) HBOT facilities are staffed with suitably qualified, experienced teams with skills that are actively maintained.
(f) The delivery of care that is integrated with other services including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, and other healthcare professionals as required.
(g) Wherever possible, supporting the return of the service user to their pre-injury level of function, including referral to return to diving assessment if appropriate.
(h) Engaging in relevant research and development of HBOT and actively engage in national audit and data collection for the HBOT service.
(i) Working with relevant agencies and clinicians to support education and prevention initiatives.
Decompression Illness
Decompression illness arises from exposure to an altered pressure environment, most often from diving. There is a total of approximately 150 - 200 cases in England per year.
Gas embolism
Cases of gas embolism arise from introduction of gas into a patient’s circulation, most often inadvertently during a medical procedure (iatrogenic gas embolism). There are currently approximately 10 cases in England per year.
The Commissioner intends to award this contract following the Most Suitable Process to the existing provider of this service.
The approximate lifetime value of the contract for Lot 2 - North East & Yorkshire is £6,992,204.
The services will start on 1st April 2026 and the initial period will run until 30th September 3030 with an option to extend for up to a further 1+1 years ( full contract term 6.5 years).
two.2.5) Award criteria
Cost criterion - Name: Most suitable provider process with regard to the key Criteria / Weighting: 100
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Following the initial 4.5 years the Commissioner has the option to extend for up to a further 1 + 1 years
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations
Explanation:
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by Tuesday 17 February 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section five. Award of contract
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
5 February 2026
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 1
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
HYPERBARIC TREATMENT and TRAINING SERVICES LIMITED
Birkenhead
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKD74 - Wirral
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: £6,965,741
Total value of the contract/lot: £6,965,741
Section five. Award of contract
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
5 February 2026
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 1
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
NORTH OF ENGLAND MEDICAL HYPERBARIC SERVICES LIMITED
Hull
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKE11 - Kingston upon Hull, City of
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £6,992,204
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. This intention to award notice is subject to Regulation 10(7) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Procurement Act Regulations 2023 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to the relevant authority by midnight on Tuesday 17 February 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.
Written representations should be sent to jessica.gaucher-thompson@nhs.net, ensuring the
following details are referenced:
Project reference: C367512
Project title: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages - Most Suitable Provider process
This decision has been made as per NHS England governance processes, by the National Commissioning Group on 5th February 2026. No conflicts of Interest were identified amongst decision makers.
Each of the 5 key criteria were balanced with equal priority and considered on this basis and consideration was given to the basic selection criteria. Following provider assessments, it was agreed that the providers are the only providers capable of meeting the service specifications and requirements.
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit
Cardinal Square, 10 Nottingham Road
Derby
DE1 3QT
Country
United Kingdom