Lymphoedema Serrvice - Horsham and Mid Sussex CCG, and Crawley CCG. Reference 16.308

The aim of this service is to establish a co-ordinated, responsive, high quality lymphoedema service across Crawley and Horsham and Mid Sussex. Providing equal access to all adult patients with palliative and non-cancer related lymphoedema for evidence based treatment and management by specialist lymphoedema practitioners in line with the requirements of the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Lymphoedema is a tissue swelling due to the failure of the lymphatic system. It is a chronic, incurable and debilitating condition that causes high levels of psychological, physical and social distress. Lymphoedema can be caused by cancer and non-cancer conditions. It is a long-term condition and patients who do not receive treatment can have frequent hospitalisation for cellulitis. Early management of lymphoedema is essential to ensure associated problems are minimised.

The Commissioners wish to undertake market engagement and seeks the views of providers for this requirement. This is a process designed to help the Commissioner form a view of the best way to commission the service and is not the beginning of a Tender exercise. A further Tender advertisement will be issued at the appropriate time where required. Your feedback at this point will not have a bearing on any future Tender submissions you may wish to offer at a later date but it will be helpful to understand your views at this early stage, so you are encouraged to respond as fully as you can.

The RFI Document containing the questions, and a draft specification are attached to this advertisement. Please complete your response and return it directly to Jacquie O'Shea by Thursday 26th January 2017.