Scope
Description
The contracting authority, NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) is undertaking an urgent award for provision of Enteral Feeds to the existing provider in mid and south Essex, in accordance with Schedule 5, Paragraph 13(1)(b) - Additional or repeat goods, services or works, under the Procurement Act 2023. The scope of the requirement covers feeds and plastics delivered to patients' homes, off script as well as a nursing and patient support service. Travel service, staff and family training pre and post hospital discharge are also included.
The proposed aggregate contract value is £4,340,533 for the 12 month duration. The proposed contract duration is 1st April 2026 - 31st March 2027.
Contract 1. Enteral Feeds
Supplier
Contract value
- £4,340,533 excluding VAT
- £4,340,533 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
31 July 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Goods
Additional procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 33692200 - Parenteral nutrition products
- 33692210 - Parenteral feeding solutions
- 33692300 - Enteral feeds
Contract locations
- UKJ - South East (England)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
The proposed contract award is for 12 months, from 1st April 2026 and expiring 31st March 2027. The Authority carefully considered it's options prior to deciding this approach.
The main reason for the decision is that a change of supplier would result in the contracting authority receiving goods that are different from, or incompatible with, the existing goods used within mid and south Essex and that difference or incompatibility would result in disproportionate technical difficulties in operation for clinical teams.
Additionally, this decision is being driven by the outcomes and advice within the NHS England Nutrition on Prescription programme that has been launched to support all NHS organisations, systems and providers at every level to:
• provide more consistency in the provision of nutritional products across acute and community care
• improve whole patient pathway and process
• ensure the NHS gets the best value for money- this programme will aim to address a significant NHS cost pressure regarding nutrition on prescription.
The NHS England Nutrition on Prescription programme has recommended that ICB's put in place short term arrangements in the interim, as opposed to longer term contracts, so that specifications and approaches can be aligned with the outcomes of the programme when they are available.
Also, there is an imminent change in the geographical footprint for the ICB over the coming 12 months which means that the scope of the requirement is likely to change considerably and include a significant increase in activity/funding attributed to the 'successor in title' ICB when the geographical footprint is confirmed. This contract term is in line with neighbouring ICB's current contracts, to ensure co-terminous expiry and joint procurement opportunity going forward.
Finally, the Authority found that there were insufficient timescales to conclude a full procurement as well as afford sufficient time to manage the transition process to a new provider and a short-term contract of 12 months is not viable given the considerable transition of TUPE where applicable/assets/data/risk etc that may be required to be taken on by any new service provider.
Supplier
FRESENIUS KABI LIMITED
- Companies House: 02182135
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZVH-4892-PJYY
Cestrian Court
Runcorn
WA7 1NT
United Kingdom
Email: contracts-uk@fresenius-kabi.com
Website: http://www.fresenius-kabi.com/gb
Region: UKD71 - East Merseyside
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Enteral Feeds
Contracting authority
Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZWW-2316-VHPJ
NHS Mid and South Essex ICB, Phoenix Court Christopher Martin Road
Basildon
SS14 3HG
United Kingdom
Email: amy.wilson@nhs.net
Region: UKH37 - Essex Thames Gateway
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government