NHS Leeds CCG Direct Access Non Obstetric Ultrasound (NOUS)

This Award Notice is for the provision of Direct Access Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Services (NOUS) across the city of Leeds that will improve access as part of the drive to reduce waiting times and improve choice for patients.

The overarching aims of the service are:

• To ensure Patients receive the right test at the right time and in the most clinically appropriate local setting;
• To ensure diagnostic testing is integrated across pathways of care, that the report and images follow the Patient and that there is no unnecessary duplication of investigation;
• To enable Patients and referring clinicians to access a range of provision according to Patient choice, clinical need and relevant care pathway; and
• To ensure diagnostic tests are appropriate, necessary, clinically correct, of high quality, with timely access and reporting.
• Provide a local, direct access non-obstetric ultrasound service by staff qualified with appropriate levels of skill and experience.
• Provide a patient centred, seamless service initiated by a simple referral route
• Improve access to assessment, diagnostics, treatment and management of care.
• Aid early diagnosis and avoid the need for unnecessary referral into secondary care.
• Ensure diagnostic tests are appropriate, necessary, clinically correct, of high quality, with timely access and test results reporting and information provided to the referring clinician.
• Enable patients and referring clinicians to access a choice of location.
• Work collaboratively with all providers to ensure transfer of care protocols are continually developed and followed which ensure there are seamless pathways according to latest guidance.
• Commissioners are not currently seeking to commission an urgent scanning service. However this may be considered as a service development during the course of this contract period, in discussion with the provider.