Planning

ENT MSK Challenge Opportunity

  • NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2022/S 000-036298

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-039391

Published 22 December 2022, 8:49am



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)

Procurement Services, Cardiff and Vale University Local Health Board, Woodlands House, 2nd Floor, Maes-Y-Coed Road

Cardiff

CF14 4HH

Contact

Sarah Yellen

Email

sarah.yellen@wales.nhs.uk

Telephone

+44 02921508273

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UK - United Kingdom

Internet address(es)

Main address

http://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/procurement-services/

Buyer's address

https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA0221

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned 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

ENT MSK Challenge Opportunity

Reference number

SP18

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 33692000 - Medical solutions

two.1.3) Type of contract

Supplies

two.1.4) Short description

Ear surgery has been performed using an operating microscope since the 1950s, but improvements in endoscope and video technology have made Endoscopic Ear Surgery (EES) a viable alternative. An ear endoscope for EES allows doctors to perform complex operations on the tiny, delicate structures in the middle ear. This method is less invasive than the traditional way to perform an ear surgery, which is to make an incision behind the ear. The doctor then uses a straight endoscope to see into the ear.

EES procedures last on average for 60 to 90 minutes, but can be as long as 180 minutes. These prolonged periods of holding the endoscope up, whilst performing very fine, controlled movements with the instruments within a very small, delicate organ causes significant musculoskeletal stress. It is possible that these conditions, which are particular to EES, are related to the higher levels of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in otological surgeons.

Reducing the musculoskeletal load through better work practices could reduce the time taken for surgery, reduce staff levels of MSDs and associated sickness, thereby improving workflow. They may also increase the number of operations possible and reduce the time under anaesthesia for patients.

Challenge details

We are looking to identify, develop and demonstrate near market ready innovative solutions that could:

Improve ergonomics for surgeons ensuring equality and benefits for all;

Improve ergonomics for both right and left handed surgeons, when performing surgery;

Reduce time spent holding an unsupported endoscope during EES;

Reduce surgery times;

Reduce MSDs in ENT surgeons;

Reduce sickness of ENT surgeons;

Improve self-reported discomfort levels of ENT surgeons after performing EES;

Meet infection prevention control standards; and

Provide a cost effective and sustainable solution.

Out of Scope

Replacement of current endoscope equipment or theatre beds;

Single use solutions.

We need ideas that can be rapidly developed and tested with potential to be scaled and used across the UK over the coming months

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £100,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 33692000 - Medical solutions

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKL - Wales

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

Challenge phases structure

Phase 1: Development and testing – We are looking to fund up to 5 projects up to a value of 20,000 inclusive of VAT each for Phase 1.

Please note any adoption and implementation of a solution from this competition would be subject of a separate, possible competitive, procurement exercise. This competition does not cover the purchase of any solution although we may choose to investigate and explore innovative procurement routes as part of this challenge.

The total funding available for the competition can change. The funders have the right to:

adjust the provisional funding allocation; and

apply a ‘portfolio’ approach.

Briefing Event

A briefing event was held on 30 November 2022 and the recording of the event can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/W9MAdAazSeE

two.2.14) Additional information

Further information

For more information on this competition, visit: Simply Do

For any enquiries about this competition e-mail: SBRI.COE@wales.nhs.uk

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

1 February 2023


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: No


Section six. Complementary information

six.3) Additional information

Briefing Event

A briefing event was held on 30 November 2022 and the recording of the event can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/W9MAdAazSeE

Further information

For more information on this competition, visit: Simply Do

For any enquiries about this competition e-mail: SBRI.COE@wales.nhs.uk

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=127713.

(WA Ref:127713)