Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Services

NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) seeks expressions of interest from suitably qualified organisations that have the necessary capability and capacity to provide Community Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Diagnostic Services in Gloucestershire.

The NHS supports the need to develop improved access to diagnostic tests as part of the drive to reduce waiting times and improve choice options for Patients.

The need to develop community based diagnostic services is supported by the Royal College of Radiologists and Royal College of General Practitioners as part of a service strategy to improve access to tests and ensure these tests are delivered at the right stage of the Patient care pathway.

It is important that the use of Community Non-Obstetric Ultrasound (NOUS) is governed by accepted national and locally agreed referral guidelines to maximise the value and cost-effectiveness of this imaging modality in patient management.

The service being commissioned is a local community based GP direct access NOUS service with staff qualified to appropriate levels of skill and experience, using equipment which complies with the guidance set by the Royal College of Radiologists, connection to NHS image transfer solutions, the ability to integrate with the e-referral system should this be needed, robust performance management systems and stringent levels of clinical governance.

The service is expected to undertake 11,780 scans annually.

NHS Gloucestershire CCG is seeking to enter into a contract with the preferred bidder for an initial period of 3-years with an option to extend for a further 2-year period.

Please note the contract value stated on this advert is for the initial 3-year contract period and is based on current and future expected activity levels, so should be considered as an indicative figure.

NHS Gloucestershire CCG expects that the service provided will represent value for money.

The cost envelope range for the delivery of these services is £514,321 to £628,000 per annum.

Organisations interested in providing this service should register on the In-Tend e-procurement portal (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/gloucestershireccg) and express interest no later than 5pm, Friday 16 April 2021.

Associated Invitation to Tender (ITT) documentation will then be made available for bidding organisations to access.

Completed ITT submissions must be returned via the In-Tend portal no later than noon, Friday 30 April 2021.