Exploring an Independent Sector Partnership for NHS Community Diagnostic Centres

In the South West, there is a strong drive to reduce waiting times for diagnostics and to accelerate the delivery of CDCs through a combination of NHS and private sector resources.

• Whilst the service model is clearly defined in the report, further work is needed to develop the detailed service requirements linked to local services, define the workforce and financial model and prepare for an open procurement process, drawing on expert commercial and legal advice.
• The regional diagnostics team is working with the seven local systems in the South West and with the national teams involved in diagnostics, people development, workforce planning, finance, commercial and legal issues to develop the specific local requirements for the delivery of CDCs. The South West will be able to benefit from the learning of other CDCs in place - and also contribute to the learning elsewhere through its accelerated plans for delivery at scale.
• In addition to the NHS resources available for the delivery of CDCs, the South West region wishes to secure consultancy assistance, in particular to support the design of the commercial model and the procurement of certain diagnostic services from private sector partners.