MR-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (MRgLITT) for treatment of epileptogenic zones for adults with refractory focal epilepsy (Lot 1: North & Lot 2: South)

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is inviting suitably qualified and experienced providers to respond to this invitation to tender for the provision of MR-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (MRgLITT) for treatment of epileptogenic zones for adults with refractory focal epilepsy (Lot 1: North & Lot 2: South).

MRgLITT, also known as 'laser interstitial thermal therapy' (LITT), is a minimally invasive treatment which can be used in focal refractory epilepsy. Stereotactic neurosurgical technique is used to guide a 3mm diameter fibreoptic laser to the target area of the brain. Under continuous MRI monitoring, laser energy is applied to the target area to destroy the part of the brain causing seizure activity. It is safer than open neurosurgery as there is less risk of collateral damage to other structures in the brain. Open surgery causes damage along the operative pathway to access the part to be removed, which is mitigated by this minimally invasive approach.

The service is due to commence on 1st June 2024. As a result of this procurement exercise an agreement will be established with the successful bidder(s) for a period of 5 years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional 2 years (maximum contract duration 7 years).

The deadline for ITT submissions is 12.00pm (noon) on Friday 29th September 2023.

Providers must be able to meet the requirements set out in this Invitation to Tender (ITT) and deliver these services in accordance with the Clinical Commissioning Policy.

Link to Clinical Commissioning Policy:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2006-Clinical-commissioning- policy-MR-guided-laser-interstitial-thermal-therapy-for-treatment-of-epileptogenic.pdf

Providers will be required to have an established epilepsy surgical programme currently that complies with the requirements as set out in the adult's specification below:

Link to adult neurosurgery service specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/neurosurgery-adults/

Providers wishing to be considered for the delivery of these services will need to respond to the provider selection documentation and submit responses prior to the deadline stated in this notice. The ITT documentation including a questionnaire is available through the Atamis (Health Family) portal: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome. The reference is C193142 and the closing date for completed ITT responses is 12:00pm (noon), on Friday 29th September 2023. To express interest and participate in the tender, please register and apply via Atamis esourcing portal https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome. Should Tenderers have any queries, or having problems using the portal, they should contact Helpdesk at:

Phone: 0800 9956035 E-mail: support-health@atamis.co.uk

Additional information:

To express interest and participate in the tender, please register and apply via Atamis e-sourcing portal https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome.

Should Tenderers have any queries, or having problems using the portal, they should contact Helpdesk at:

Phone: 0800 9956035

E-mail: support-health@atamis.co.uk