Vein of Galen Malformation (VGAM) Service; Emergency back-up treatment provider

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability of the incumbent and potential providers within this highly specialised area. Please note that this is not a call for competition although the commissioner would encourage all potential providers to respond to this market engagement exercise. The outcome of this market engagement will help inform commissioners of the current and future capacity and capability of the market and will be considered to inform the commissioning approach.

Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest only if they are able to deliver the full list of the requirements

Participation to this market engagement will close at 12pm (noon), 16th October 2023.

Additional information: Vein of Galen malformation (VGAM) is an arteriovenous malformation which typically results in high output cardiac failure. VGAMs usually occur in fetuses or new-born babies, although sometimes these problems do not present until later in life. VGAMs are extremely rare abnormalities in the blood vessels in the brain leading to excess blood flow which can result in cardiac problems.

The VGAM service in England aims to diagnose, neonates, babies and children and to treat and manage patients with a confirmed Vein of Galen Malformation provided they are in scope to benefit from treatment. This includes acute admission, sub-acute presentation and elective referrals. This service also covers the population of Scotland. Please see the link to the service specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wpcontent/ uploads/2019/06/Vein-of-Galen-malformation-service-All-Ages.pdf. Interested Parties are to note that the national specification is currently undergoing a review.

Provider(s) must: a) Have undertaken, as an organisation, a minimum of four (4) paediatric interventional neuroradiology procedures per annum in the period June 2018 to June 2023 for Vein of Galen Malformation cerebrovascular arteriovenous malformations, and b) Have a suitable premises for delivery, located in the North; Comprising NHS England Regions: the North East and Yorkshire; the North West.

NHS England Regions https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/regional-area-teams/

The service expected to commence in April 24.

The anticipated contract duration for this service is 3 years, with an option to extend the contract up to a further 2-year period at the Commissioner's discretion.

This notice is to advise prospective providers in the market of the commissioner's intention to commission this service and to provide an opportunity to engage with and participate in a market engagement questionnaire. It is possible that as a result of this exercise, a formal tender process will not be required but instead a simpler provider selection process will be undertaken. Where it is noted that competition is absent for a particular lot, the Commissioner reserves the right to direct award to provider(s) with no further competition. All providers will be notified of next steps following the conclusion of this market engagement exercise.

Documentation relating to this exercise including a questionnaire is available through the Atamis (Health Family) portal. To register your interest and access the questionnaire, please follow this link to the Atamis (Health Family) portal: https://healthfamily. force.com/s/Welcome.

The project reference is C195408 and the closing date for submission of the completed questionnaire is: 12:pm (noon) 16th October 2023