NHS Kirklees CCG: Microsuction Service

NHS Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group is seeking to procure a Microsuction Service for the population of Kirklees until 31 March 2023, with an option to extend for up to a further 12 months, using the Any Qualified Provider (AQP) route. Any provider who can demonstrate compliance and competency against the specific criteria published within the tender documents are invited to apply for this contract opportunity.

The NHS supports the need to develop improved access to care closer to home as part of the drive to reduce waiting times and improve choice options for patients. The need to develop a community based Microsuction service provision is supported by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as part of a service strategy to improve access to ear care delivered at the right stage of the patient care pathway.

The service aims to meet the needs of people with hearing impairment associated with ear wax. The CCG is ideally looking for up to 3 providers to cover the geographical area of Kirklees with services accessible to the whole of the population of Kirklees.

The overarching aims of the service are:

- To provide Microsuction in community settings including primary care (i.e., GP practices) and other accessible locations.

- To provide general ear care advice and education and promote self- management prior to medical intervention.

- To improve the pathway of care for people with hearing loss by removing ear wax prior to any referral for audiology assessment.

- To provide equitable timely access to Microsuction in community, primary care and other settings and reduce unnecessary referrals to secondary care.

- To ensure that Microsuction is appropriate, necessary, clinically correct, of high quality, with timely access

- To ensure equity of access across the CCG population.

The tariff for the service will be £35 for one ear and £60 for two ears, the CCG is intending that overall activity will be capped at 1,165 Kirklees procedures (based on both ears) during the remainder of the 2021/22 contract year, with the activity for 2022/23 capped at 2,800 Kirklees procedures.

It should be noted that under the AQP model, there will be no guarantees of volume or payment in the contracts awarded. The payment information will be detailed in the service specification included in the tender documents at the time of publication.

Providers are expected to mobilise a service by 1 November 2021, if a provider is unable to mobilise within 3 months of the expected service commencement date of 1 November 2021 the CCG reserves the right to withdraw the contract.

Please note NHS Calderdale CCG may join the service at a future date during the lifetime of the contract.