NHS England South West - Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire (BNSSG)

A Prior Information Notice (Social)
by NHS ENGLAND

Source
Find a Tender
Type
Contract (Services)
Duration
9 year (est.)
Value
£75M
Sector
HEALTH
Published
13 Dec 2023
Delivery
To 26 Oct 2032 (est.)
Deadline
n/a

Concepts

Location

BRISTOL

Geochart for 1 buyers and 5 suppliers

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.

Lot Division

1 Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Cornwall

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.

2 Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Devon

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.

3 Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Somerset

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.

4 Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Gloucestershire

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.

5 Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire (BNSSG)

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.

Award Detail

1 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (Truro)
  • Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Cornwall
  • Num offers: 1
  • Value: £9,663,708
2 Inhealth Intelligence (High Wycombe)
  • Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Devon
  • Num offers: 2
  • Value: £24,764,019
3 Somerset NHS Trust (Yeovil)
  • Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Somerset
  • Num offers: 1
  • Value: £13,741,086
4 Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust (Cheltenham)
  • Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Gloucestershire
  • Num offers: 2
  • Value: £11,373,272
5 Inhealth Intelligence (High Wycombe)
  • Diabetic Eye Screening Programmes for Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire (BNSSG)
  • Num offers: 2
  • Value: £1,554,780

CPV Codes

  • 85000000 - Health and social work services

Indicators

Other 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.

Reference

Domains