AQP Non-Obstetric Ultrasound (NOUS)

Commissioners within NHS Crawley CCG and NHS Horsham and Mid Sussex CCG wish to commission a direct access non-obstetric ultrasound (NOUS) service as per the service specification. This Service will deliver a safe, high quality service for NHS Crawley CCG and NHS Horsham and Mid Sussex CCG that offers patients a choice of provider, together with choice of location, date and time of appointments, excellent outcomes and an improved patient experience. The provision of direct access non-obstetric ultrasound (NOUS) service is a contract for a period of 3 years commencing on the 1st April 2016 with option to extend for a maximum of a further two years.

In 2013 the AQP direct access non-obstetric ultrasound (NOUS) was originally commissioned and seven providers were accredited, five remain. These providers will have their accreditation extended for a further period of three years and will continue to provide the service locally.

The offer documentation comprises of the following: Document 1 AQP Qualification Information Document 2 AQP Application form Document 3 Service Specification

In securing services from Providers, the authority needs assurance of competence, quality and safety standards, just as it would for services secured under a formal tender process. Any provider will be eligible to join a list of qualified providers subject to demonstrating competency against the authority’s specified criteria. Please read the qualification questionnaire and the supporting offer documents very carefully since failure to comply with the requirements contained therein (including paying particular attention to Maximum Word Limits for answers) will invalidate your submission.

If qualified, your organisation will be required to accept the terms and conditions and be compliant with the NHS Standard Contract and any subsequent revisions thereof. It should be clearly noted that certain parts of the contract e.g. Local Quality Requirements are subject to change this and every year in line with DH/Monitor Guidance. At its absolute discretion, the contracting authority will reflect these changes as it deems appropriate in this contract. Please note that the Contracting Authority will not enter into an arrangement with any individual or organisation that does not fully accept this requirement. Please note that caveat responses will be considered as non-acceptance of this requirement.

The Contracting Authority reserves the right to change dates and times or modify any stage of the process including the introduction of additional steps or stages in order to gain additional assurance and/or maximise efficiencies.