The Provision of a Direct Access Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Service (NOUS) on behalf of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) are acting on behalf of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), to obtain a Provider to deliver a high quality Direct Access NOUS service that will aid early diagnostics and avoid the need for unnecessary referral to secondary care. It will ensure a local service with staff qualified to appropriate levels of skill and experience, using equipment which complies with the most up-to-date guidance set by the Royal College of Radiologists, connection to NHS image transfer solutions, the ability to integrate with the e-Referral Service, robust performance management systems and stringent levels of clinical governance. Delivery of this Direct Access NOUS Service will: •Ensure patients receive the right test at the right time and in the most clinically appropriate local setting;

•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;

•Enable patients and referring clinicians to access a choice of provision according to patient choice, clinical need and relevant care pathway;

•Ensure diagnostic tests are necessary, clinically appropriate, of high quality, with timely access and high quality images and clear reporting;

•Provide a high quality and safe service by following the published clinical guidelines and good practice (as set out in Section 4 - Applicable Service Standards);

•Ensure excellent patient experience; and

•Develop local service provision as part of a diagnostic commissioning plan which aims to improve access and choice for patients.

Further information on the service can be located on the EU-Supply Website.

The affordability limit for the total Contract (including any potential extensions) is £3,350,000 and the Contract will be for the duration of a 3 year initial period with an option to extend for up to a further 2 years with a service commencement date of 1st October 2021. Bidders wishing to express an interest in participating in this Invitation to Tender (ITT) should register their interest on the EU-Supply Website to access the documentation using reference 38458. To register on EU-Supply please log on to the following Website: https://nhssbs.eu-supply.com. The ITT documentation should be completed and submitted by 3pm on 01st April 2021.

An advert has also been place on FTS.