Following a period of clinical consultation and engagement as part of the redesign on community cardiology services in North Lincolnshire a service specification has been produced describing the service outcomes required from a community cardiology service.

The specification describes the service provided within the community for patients at risk of or with suspected/diagnosed cardiac problems where management by general practice alone is not appropriate and where care can be safely provided in the community setting.

In particular these pathways will support the management of palpitations/Atrial Fibrillation (AF), chest pain and heart failure.

Resistant hypertension and other atypical patients may also be referred into the service for advice and support regarding management decisions and development of personalised management plans.

Before we begin with procurement we would like to better understand the provider market, the perceived deliverability of the specification locally, and, whether potentially splitting the specification into separate elements for ‘diagnostics’ and ‘management’ would make the service more or less desirable to potential providers.

Aims of the service 1) Provide a high quality service to cardiac patients which is consultant-led, has quick access to diagnostics, optimises health and wellbeing, enhances quality of life and minimises the risk of recurrent cardiac events; 2) Supports the implementation of localised pathways for AF/palpitations/chest pain and heart failure; 3) Use a multi-disciplinary team with high levels of expertise in accessible locations closer to home; 4) Improve outcomes for patients with cardiac problems; 5) Improve accessibility of services and reduce waiting times; 6) Reduce local health inequalities by ensuring equitable access; 7) Provide education and increase the skills base within primary care colleagues; 8) Increase patient choice; 9) Improve value for money in respect of current expenditure; and 10) Reduce prescribing costs.

How to apply: To participate please complete and return the RFI document available on NHS Sourcing e-tendering portal (www.nhssourcing.co.uk) by the deadline of 18 March 2015.