Sensors for Oximeters

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board intends to award a contract to for the continued supply of oximetry sensors, associated consumables and related support services required for use with the Health Board's existing installed estate of monitoring equipment.

The Health Board currently operates a substantial installed base of equipment across a range of clinical settings, including the Children's Hospital. The required sensors and consumables are specifically designed and validated for use with this equipment and are necessary to ensure continued operation, patient safety and compliance with manufacturer specifications.

The Health Board has assessed alternative procurement options, including replacement of the existing equipment platform and procurement through available framework arrangements. However, transitioning to an alternative supplier would necessitate the replacement or modification of a significant installed equipment estate, implementation of alternative technologies, clinical validation activities, staff training, updates to operational procedures and associated change management activity. This would result in significant additional cost, operational disruption and implementation risk.

The current arrangement also incorporates a structured equipment refurbishment and replacement programme under which eligible legacy devices are replaced with updated equipment at no additional capital cost. In addition, the contract includes a volume-based rebate mechanism linked to consumable purchases. These elements provide ongoing commercial benefits and contribute to the achievement of value for money over the life of the contract.

The Health Board has concluded that maintaining the existing equipment platform and associated supply arrangements represents the option that delivers the most economically advantageous outcome when considering whole-life cost, continuity of clinical service, compatibility requirements, implementation risk and the commercial benefits associated with the existing arrangement.

Accordingly, the Health Board intends to award the contract to for the continued supply of oximetry sensors, consumables and associated support services.