Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Solent NHS Trust
Highpoint Venue, Bursledon Road
Southampton
SO19 8BR
Contact
Commercial Team
Telephone
+44 3001233920
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKJ32 - Southampton
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at
https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
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
Solent NHS Trust Pathology Testing Services and Kits Provider Selection Regime
Reference number
C295720
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 85111800 - Pathology services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Solent (known as the lead provider) has been providing Level 3 Integrated Sexual Health and HIV services (SHHS) since 2012 and has recently been awarded a new contract from 2024 to 2031, with the option to extend for a further two years.
Solent’s services identify as core community provision across Southampton, Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, and other parts of Hampshire.
As part of the core offer, Solent is commissioned to provide an online STI pathology testing and kits service to target patients that do not attend our services and/or patients with low risk symptoms that attend clinics.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £12,522,816
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKJ3 - Hampshire and Isle of Wight
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Solent NHS Trust is looking to work with one pathology provider to deliver the Online STI and HIV testing and kits provision within Southampton, Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, and Hampshire.
The aim of the service is to provide an online service that compliments and supports the overarching Level 3 Integrated SHHS delivered by Solent.
The main objectives are:
• To increase use of online services and remote pathways that improve scope for individuals to have their testing and advice needs met where appropriate without face to face contact with SHHS.
• To provide online STI self-sampling kits including samples from extra-genital sites.
• To evaluate the service through feedback from users, to ensure on-going improvement of this service.
• To offer an STI and HIV testing service in a non-clinical area when working with vulnerable patients that do not have IT access or who are unable to receive postal kits to a home address.
• To ensure that all residents aged 15-24 are offered a Chlamydia screen via a remote (home) testing pathway as part of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme with the aim to achieve the chlamydia diagnostic rate.
The service will provide:
• Full STI and HIV testing for anyone over the age of 16 years. For people aged 15–24 years they will have an option to access Chlamydia only testing.
• Provision and dispatch of postal STI and HIV kits.
• Results processing via a results management system that integrates with the services electronic patient record (Inform) and patient text messaging service.
• A service for Southampton, Portsmouth, the Ise of Wight, and Hampshire residents.
• There will be a separate ad hoc service available for anyone living outside of area.
The service model excludes:
• A requirement for the pathology provider to deliver an online algorithm to identify risk and required testing, as this is already provided as part of the pre-established SHHS Electronic Patient Record system.
The pathology provider will be able to provide full STI testing to include:
• HIV testing
• Syphilis
• Syphilis RPR for patient with past infection
• Hepatitis C core antibody
• Hepatitis B core antibody
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Gonorrhoea Test of Cure
• Mycoplasma Genitalium for Test of Cure
• Urea and Electrolytes
• Extra genital site testing
two.2.14) Additional information
This market engagement exercise asks prospective providers to complete a market engagement questionnaire. The outcome of this market engagement will help inform the Trust of the current and future capacity and capability of the market and will be considered with other evidence to inform the approach.
This market engagement will allow the Trust to make a fair and transparent informed decision on what appropriate next procurement steps to undertake. The subsequent potential procurement will be governed by the Provider Selection Regime. It is possible that as a result of this exercise, a formal tender process will not be required but instead a simpler provider selection process will be undertaken. Where it is noted that competition is absent, direct awards may be considered. All providers will be notified of next steps following the conclusion of this market engagement exercise.
Participation for this market engagement closes at 17:00hrs 29 July 2024
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
16 September 2024
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
Information relating to the tender is available within Atamis. Select this link to access the Atamis system: https://healthfamily.force.com/s/Welcome. Select 'Opportunities' and then select the relevant Solent NHS Trust opportunity. Once registered, press the 'Register Interest' to login and register your interest. Once you have registered your interest, you may view the documents, submit clarification requests through the messaging function and complete the Requirements questionnaire. If you have any issues please contact the Atamis helpdesk on 0800 9956035 or email support-health@atamis.co.uk All correspondence must be through Atamis. Potential Bidders must not communicate directly with Solent NHS Trust staff regarding this tender.
Any interest shown in the pre-tender market engagement does not constitute a commitment to participate in a procurement exercise. Failure to show interest does not restrict providers from participating in any future procurement exercise.