Dental Urgent Care Helpline(s) across the South West

This notice is placed as a Prior Information Notice (PIN) to inform the market of NHS England South West's intention to recommission Dental Urgent Care Helplines within each of the Integrated Care Board (ICBs) regions below.

There is also potential for the other ICBs in the South West to recommission the services in their areas

Please note that Devon and Cornwall ICBs are transitioning to form a 'cluster'; similarly BNSSG and Gloucestershire are forming a 'cluster'; and Somerset, Dorset and BSW are forming a cluster, ahead of statutory mergers taking formal effect, likely from April 2027.

At this time, the Commissioners would like to understand the level of provider interest in delivering the services and invites interested parties to express an interest by completing a market engagement questionnaire. There will also be the opportunity to attend one of the market engagement events which will be held as follows:

17th September in Bristol

30th September in Exeter

Further details to be confirmed with those who express an interest).

The purpose of the event will be to share further detail of the commissioners' aims and objectives for the service, as well as provide an opportunity for commissioners to obtain valuable feedback from providers to help inform the commissioning strategy. Details on how to express interest and/or register for the event are provided below.

The contract term and start date will likely vary across the ICBs in the South West, with the earliest potential date of commencement being 1st July 2027 for Devon.

Contracts will likely be for an initial term of 3 years and an option to extend for up to a further two years. However, contract length(s) will be confirmed at a later date.

This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.