Community Ultrasound Services for North-East Hampshire and Farnham Patients

NHS Frimley ICB ("the Commissioner") sought to commission provision to provide Community Ultrasound Services for patients in the North-East Hampshire and Farnham geographical locality. The service provides direct access non-obstetric ultrasounds to eligible patients, including pre-appointment communication with patients, diagnostic investigation and a report being sent to the referrer, which covers not only the description of the investigation and the findings, but also where appropriate covers any recommendations for further imaging or investigation and advice on management. The aim of the service is to aid early diagnostics and avoid the need for unnecessary referral to secondary care, or to support the shift of activity into a primary care setting, where this will improve access. Referrals into the service are made by GPs or Clinical Assessment Services. Frimley ICB has followed PSR Direct Award C for the contract to which this notice relates.