- Scope of the procurement
- Lot 1. Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Cornwall
- Lot 2. Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Devon
- Lot 3. Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Somerset
- Lot 4. Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Gloucestershire
- Lot 5. Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire (BNSSG)
Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
NHS England
Three-Six-Zero - 360, Marlborough Street
BRISTOL
BS13NX
Contact
Hannah Morley
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKK11 - Bristol, City of
Justification for not providing organisation identifier
Not on any register
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/
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
NHS England South West - Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire (BNSSG)
Reference number
C185632
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
NHSE South West (The Commissioner) sought to re-commission five Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes (DESP) to deliver screening to the eligible populations of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (Lot 1), Devon (Lot 2), Somerset (Lot 3), Gloucestershire (Lot 4), and BNSSG (Lot 5).
Adverts were placed on Contracts Finder and the Find a Tender Service and an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, based on the Open procedure, was undertaken during summer / autumn 2023 to identify the Most Economically Advantageous Tender and therefore determine the incoming provider for each Lot.
This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.
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: £75,089,865
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Cornwall
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKK3 - Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
NHSE South West (The Commissioner) sought to re-commission a Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) to deliver screening to the eligible population of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (Lot 1). Adverts were placed on Contracts Finder and the Find a Tender Service and an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, based on the Open procedure, was undertaken during summer / autumn 2023 to identify the Most Economically Advantageous Tender and therefore determine the incoming provider.
The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with, a GP in the lot area as well as individuals within prisons, secure units and the armed forces.
The aim of the DESP is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight threatening diabetic retinopathy.
This will be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that:
• Identifies the eligible population and ensures effective delivery with maximum coverage
• Is safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured
• Leads to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment and improved outcomes
• Is delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent and qualified clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participate in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous professional development (CPD) and quality assurance (QA) schemes
• Has audit embedded in the service
• Works effectively with other stakeholders to ensure the care pathway is smooth and efficient
There are 3 key elements of service delivery, namely:
• Call/recall for all people with diabetes invited for routine digital screening; this is currently undertaken on an annual basis, but screening intervals are likely to extend to 2 years for people at low risk during the contract term, in line with national guidance
• Digital surveillance where individuals need more frequent screening
• Slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography is inappropriate (e.g. those having cataracts).
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) does not form part of this Contract at this time, though this position may change over the life of the contract in line with national guidance.
The Contract has been awarded to Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust for a term of 6 years, with an option to extend for a further 3 years at the sole discretion of the Commissioner.
The Contract is due to commence on 1st April 2024.
The 9 year estimated contract value, based on predicted activity levels, is £9,663,708.
The Contract will operate on a hybrid basis with a fixed "block" element based upon the actual activity for routine screening in 2021/2022 plus a variable element for digital surveillance and SLB and a further variable element to incentivise uptake to 85%. Variable elements will be paid according to activity undertaken.
The Commissioner's ambition through the financial model is to encourage uptake of DESP to achieve or exceed the national achievable target of 85% uptake in routine screening (DE1).
The Services have been commissioned using the national service specification for DESP Services, localised where appropriate.
National changes to screening frequency for low risk individuals are expected to be implemented during the contract term which will have an impact on activity. The subsequent impact on contract values will be agreed between the Provider and the Commissioner via contract variation.
This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.
two.2.14) Additional information
The services are healthcare services falling within Schedule 3 to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ("the Regulations") which are not subject to the full regime of the Regulations, but are instead governed by the "Light Touch Regime" contained within Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Regulations (Regulations 74 to 77).
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Devon
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKK4 - Devon
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
NHSE South West (The Commissioner) sought to re-commission a Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) to deliver screening to the eligible population of Devon (Lot 2). Adverts were placed on Contracts Finder and the Find a Tender Service and an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, based on the Open procedure, was undertaken during summer / autumn 2023 to identify the Most Economically Advantageous Tender and therefore determine the incoming provider.
The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with, a GP in the lot area as well as individuals within prisons, secure units and the armed forces.
The aim of the DESP is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight threatening diabetic retinopathy.
This will be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that:
• Identifies the eligible population and ensures effective delivery with maximum coverage
• Is safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured
• Leads to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment and improved outcomes
• Is delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent and qualified clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participate in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous professional development (CPD) and quality assurance (QA) schemes
• Has audit embedded in the service
• Works effectively with other stakeholders to ensure the care pathway is smooth and efficient
There are 3 key elements of service delivery, namely:
• Call/recall for all people with diabetes invited for routine digital screening; this is currently undertaken on an annual basis, but screening intervals are likely to extend to 2 years for people at low risk during the contract term, in line with national guidance
• Digital surveillance where individuals need more frequent screening
• Slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography is inappropriate (e.g. those having cataracts).
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) does not form part of this Contract at this time, though this position may change over the life of the contract in line with national guidance.
The Contract has been awarded to InHealth Intelligence Ltd for a term of 6 years, with an option to extend for a further 3 years at the sole discretion of the Commissioner.
The Contract is due to commence on 1st April 2024.
The 9 year estimated contract value, based on predicted activity levels, is £24,764,019.
The Contract will operate on a hybrid basis with a fixed "block" element based upon the actual activity for routine screening in 2021/2022 plus a variable element for digital surveillance and SLB and a further variable element to incentivise uptake to 85%. Variable elements will be paid according to activity undertaken.
The Commissioner's ambition through the financial model is to encourage uptake of DESP to achieve or exceed the national achievable target of 85% uptake in routine screening (DE1).
The Services have been commissioned using the national service specification for DESP Services, localised where appropriate.
National changes to screening frequency for low risk individuals are expected to be implemented during the contract term which will have an impact on activity. The subsequent impact on contract values will be agreed between the Provider and the Commissioner via contract variation.
This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.
two.2.14) Additional information
The services are healthcare services falling within Schedule 3 to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ("the Regulations") which are not subject to the full regime of the Regulations, but are instead governed by the "Light Touch Regime" contained within Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Regulations (Regulations 74 to 77).
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Somerset
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKK23 - Somerset
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
NHSE South West (The Commissioner) sought to re-commission a Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) to deliver screening to the eligible population of Somerset (Lot 3). Adverts were placed on Contracts Finder and the Find a Tender Service and an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, based on the Open procedure, was undertaken during summer / autumn 2023 to identify the Most Economically Advantageous Tender and therefore determine the incoming provider.
The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with, a GP in the lot area as well as individuals within prisons, secure units and the armed forces.
The aim of the DESP is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight threatening diabetic retinopathy.
This will be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that:
• Identifies the eligible population and ensures effective delivery with maximum coverage
• Is safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured
• Leads to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment and improved outcomes
• Is delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent and qualified clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participate in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous professional development (CPD) and quality assurance (QA) schemes
• Has audit embedded in the service
• Works effectively with other stakeholders to ensure the care pathway is smooth and efficient
There are 3 key elements of service delivery, namely:
• Call/recall for all people with diabetes invited for routine digital screening; this is currently undertaken on an annual basis, but screening intervals are likely to extend to 2 years for people at low risk during the contract term, in line with national guidance
• Digital surveillance where individuals need more frequent screening
• Slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography is inappropriate (e.g. those having cataracts).
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) does not form part of this Contract at this time, though this position may change over the life of the contract in line with national guidance.
The Contract has been awarded to Somerset NHS Foundation Trust for a term of 6 years, with an option to extend for a further 3 years at the sole discretion of the Commissioner.
The Contract is due to commence on 1st April 2024.
The 9 year estimated contract value, based on predicted activity levels, is £13,741,086.
The Contract will operate on a hybrid basis with a fixed "block" element based upon the actual activity for routine screening in 2021/2022 plus a variable element for digital surveillance and SLB and a further variable element to incentivise uptake to 85%. Variable elements will be paid according to activity undertaken.
The Commissioner's ambition through the financial model is to encourage uptake of DESP to achieve or exceed the national achievable target of 85% uptake in routine screening (DE1).
The Services have been commissioned using the national service specification for DESP Services, localised where appropriate.
National changes to screening frequency for low risk individuals are expected to be implemented during the contract term which will have an impact on activity. The subsequent impact on contract values will be agreed between the Provider and the Commissioner via contract variation.
This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.
two.2.14) Additional information
The services are healthcare services falling within Schedule 3 to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ("the Regulations") which are not subject to the full regime of the Regulations, but are instead governed by the "Light Touch Regime" contained within Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Regulations (Regulations 74 to 77).
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Gloucestershire
Lot No
4
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKK13 - Gloucestershire
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
NHSE South West (The Commissioner) sought to re-commission a Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) to deliver screening to the eligible population of Gloucestershire (Lot 4). Adverts were placed on Contracts Finder and the Find a Tender Service and an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, based on the Open procedure, was undertaken during summer / autumn 2023 to identify the Most Economically Advantageous Tender and therefore determine the incoming provider.
The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with, a GP in the lot area as well as individuals within prisons, secure units and the armed forces.
The aim of the DESP is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight threatening diabetic retinopathy.
This will be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that:
• Identifies the eligible population and ensures effective delivery with maximum coverage
• Is safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured
• Leads to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment and improved outcomes
• Is delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent and qualified clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participate in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous professional development (CPD) and quality assurance (QA) schemes
• Has audit embedded in the service
• Works effectively with other stakeholders to ensure the care pathway is smooth and efficient
There are 3 key elements of service delivery, namely:
• Call/recall for all people with diabetes invited for routine digital screening; this is currently undertaken on an annual basis, but screening intervals are likely to extend to 2 years for people at low risk during the contract term, in line with national guidance
• Digital surveillance where individuals need more frequent screening
• Slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography is inappropriate (e.g. those having cataracts).
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) does not form part of this Contract at this time, though this position may change over the life of the contract in line with national guidance.
The Contract has been awarded to Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for a term of 6 years, with an option to extend for a further 3 years at the sole discretion of the Commissioner.
The Contract is due to commence on 1st April 2024.
The 9 year estimated contract value, based on predicted activity levels, is £11,373,272.
The Contract will operate on a hybrid basis with a fixed "block" element based upon the actual activity for routine screening in 2021/2022 plus a variable element for digital surveillance and SLB and a further variable element to incentivise uptake to 85%. Variable elements will be paid according to activity undertaken.
The Commissioner's ambition through the financial model is to encourage uptake of DESP to achieve or exceed the national achievable target of 85% uptake in routine screening (DE1).
The Services have been commissioned using the national service specification for DESP Services, localised where appropriate.
National changes to screening frequency for low risk individuals are expected to be implemented during the contract term which will have an impact on activity. The subsequent impact on contract values will be agreed between the Provider and the Commissioner via contract variation.
This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.
two.2.14) Additional information
The services are healthcare services falling within Schedule 3 to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ("the Regulations") which are not subject to the full regime of the Regulations, but are instead governed by the "Light Touch Regime" contained within Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Regulations (Regulations 74 to 77).
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire (BNSSG)
Lot No
5
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKK1 - Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
NHSE South West (The Commissioner) sought to re-commission a Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) to deliver screening to the eligible populations of BNSSG (Lot 5). Adverts were placed on Contracts Finder and the Find a Tender Service and an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, based on the Open procedure, was undertaken during summer / autumn 2023 to identify the Most Economically Advantageous Tender and therefore determine the incoming provider.
The eligible population includes patients over the age of 12 diagnosed with diabetes and registered with, or eligible to be registered with, a GP in the lot area as well as individuals within prisons, secure units and the armed forces.
The aim of the DESP is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment, if necessary, of sight threatening diabetic retinopathy.
This will be achieved by delivering an evidence-based service that:
• Identifies the eligible population and ensures effective delivery with maximum coverage
• Is safe, effective, high quality, externally and independently monitored, and quality assured
• Leads to earlier detection, appropriate referral, effective treatment and improved outcomes
• Is delivered and supported by suitably trained, competent and qualified clinical and non-clinical staff who, where relevant, participate in recognised ongoing continuing medical education (CME), continuous professional development (CPD) and quality assurance (QA) schemes
• Has audit embedded in the service
• Works effectively with other stakeholders to ensure the care pathway is smooth and efficient
There are 3 key elements of service delivery, namely:
• Call/recall for all people with diabetes invited for routine digital screening; this is currently undertaken on an annual basis, but screening intervals are likely to extend to 2 years for people at low risk during the contract term, in line with national guidance
• Digital surveillance where individuals need more frequent screening
• Slit lamp bio-microscopy (SLB) for those individuals where normal photography is inappropriate (e.g. those having cataracts).
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) does not form part of this Contract at this time, though this position may change over the life of the contract in line with national guidance.
The Contract has been awarded to InHealth Intelligence Ltd for a term of 6 years, with an option to extend for a further 3 years at the sole discretion of the Commissioner.
The Contract is due to commence on 1st April 2024.
The 9 year estimated contract value, based on predicted activity levels, is £15,547,780.
The Contract will operate on a hybrid basis with a fixed "block" element based upon the actual activity for routine screening in 2021/2022 plus a variable element for digital surveillance and SLB and a further variable element to incentivise uptake to 85%. Variable elements will be paid according to activity undertaken.
The Commissioner's ambition through the financial model is to encourage uptake of DESP to achieve or exceed the national achievable target of 85% uptake in routine screening (DE1).
The Services have been commissioned using the national service specification for DESP Services, localised where appropriate.
National changes to screening frequency for low risk individuals are expected to be implemented during the contract term which will have an impact on activity. The subsequent impact on contract values will be agreed between the Provider and the Commissioner via contract variation.
This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.
two.2.14) Additional information
The services are healthcare services falling within Schedule 3 to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ("the Regulations") which are not subject to the full regime of the Regulations, but are instead governed by the "Light Touch Regime" contained within Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Regulations (Regulations 74 to 77).
Section four. Procedure
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2023/S 000-017667
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
1
Title
Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Cornwall
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
21 November 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 1
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 0
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 1
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Truro
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKK3 - Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Justification for not providing organisation identifier
Not on any register
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £9,663,708
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
2
Title
Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Devon
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
21 November 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 0
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
InHealth Intelligence Ltd
High Wycombe
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKJ13 - Buckinghamshire CC
Companies House
03257228
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £24,764,019
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
3
Title
Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Somerset
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
21 November 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 1
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 0
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 1
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Yeovil
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKK23 - Somerset
Justification for not providing organisation identifier
Not on any register
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £13,741,086
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
4
Title
Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Gloucestershire
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
21 November 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 0
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Cheltenham
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKK13 - Gloucestershire
Justification for not providing organisation identifier
Not on any register
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £11,373,272
Section five. Award of contract
Lot No
5
Title
Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire (BNSSG)
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
21 November 2023
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 2
Number of tenders received from SMEs: 0
Number of tenders received by electronic means: 2
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
InHealth Intelligence Ltd
High Wycombe
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKJ13 - Buckinghamshire CC
Companies House
03257228
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot: £1,554,780
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
The services are healthcare services falling within Schedule 3 to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ("the Regulations") which are not subject to the full regime of the Regulations, but are instead governed by the "Light Touch Regime" contained within Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Regulations (Regulations 74 to 77).
The tendering process has been conducted in accordance with the requirements and flexibilities provided by Articles 74 to 76 of the Directive, and Regulations 74 to 76 of the Regulations. The Authority ran a transparent tender process, treating all Bidders equally. For the avoidance of doubt, the Authority will not be bound by the Regulations or the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union or any other regulations or legislation except for the specific parts or circumstances that apply to the procurement of these Services.
Neither the inclusion of a selection stage, nor the use of any language or terms found in the Directive or Regulations, nor the description of the procedure voluntarily adopted by the Authority ("Open", "Restricted", "Competitive Procedure with Negotiation", "Competitive Dialogue" or any other description), nor any other indication, shall be taken to mean that the Authority intends to hold itself bound by the Directive or Regulations, save by the provisions applicable to services coming within the scope of Annex XIV of the Directive / Schedule 3 of the Regulations.
The Contracting Authority has voluntarily observed the award decision notices provisions and held a 10 day standstill period as described in Regulation 87 of the Regulations.