Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
NHS England
7&8 Wellington Place
Leeds
LS1 4AP
Contact
Jessica Gaucher-Thompson
jessica.guacher-thompson@nhs.net
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
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
Market Engagement Exercise: for the provision of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages)
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 85100000 - Health services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability of potential providers within this specialised area.
This notice is to advise prospective providers in the market of the commissioner’s intention to commission this service and to provide an opportunity to engage with and participate in a market engagement questionnaire.
The outcome of this market engagement will help inform commissioners of the current and future capacity and capability of the market and will be considered to inform the commissioning approach.
Participation to this market engagement will close at 12pm (noon), 4 October 2024.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £36,749,565
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85100000 - Health services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
NHS England would like to identify providers who are interested in the provision of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages).
The service is commissioned in England for two specific indications in line with NHS England » Clinical commissioning policy: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages).
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. The geographical distribution of cases of decompression illness is determined by the local level of diving activity, and is concentrated around coastal areas, inland expanses of water and the locations of residence of the divers. Airports provide a significant minority of patients usually returning from a diving trip overseas. 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. However, this may be an underestimate of the number of actual cases.
The anticipated contract duration for this service is 3 years, with the Commissioner having the option to extend the contract up to a further 1 + 1 year(s) (maximum contract duration 5 years).
Documentation relating to this exercise including a questionnaire is available through the Atamis (Health Family) portal. To register your interest and access the questionnaire, please follow this link to the Atamis (HealthFamily) portal: https://healthfamily. force.com/s/Welcome.
The project reference is C303257 and the closing date for submission of the completed questionnaire is: 12pm (noon) 4 October 2024.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
16 December 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