Expressions of interest and Market Engagement event for the delivery of Audiology Services across Derbyshire

NHS Arden & Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (NHS Arden & GEM CSU) on behalf of NHS Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group (SDCCG) acting as Lead Commissioner on behalf of the Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Groups (including Erewash, Hardwick and North Derbyshire CCG's) are inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified providers to deliver Audiology Services across Derbyshire.

The Commissioners are looking for expressions of interest from suitably qualified providers who have experience of delivering Audiology services across Derbyshire and the ability to deliver a comprehensive patient-centred direct access adult hearing service for age related hearing loss in line with national guidance and local requirements. There will be an opportunity to apply to deliver the assessment, first review and re-assessment and/or the aftercare service.

The vision for people with age related hearing problems is for them to receive, high quality, efficient services delivered closer to home, with short waiting times and high responsiveness to the needs of local communities, free at the point of access.

The key aims and objectives include the following; • Improve public health and occupational health focus on hearing loss • Reduce prevalence of avoidable permanent hearing loss • Encourage early identification, diagnosis and management of hearing loss through improved patient and professional education • Provide person-centred care, and respond to information and psychosocial needs • Support communication needs by providing timely signposting to lip reading classes and assistive technologies and other rehabilitation services • Promote inclusion and participation of people who are deaf or hard of hearing • Compliance with clinical guidance and good practice

Please note that this is a market testing exercise to inform the CCG decision making process. This does not commit the CCG to carry out a procurement process. Current services will remain in place during this period in line with existing contracts and service level agreements. Bidders who have expressed an interest in this market testing exercise will have the opportunity to submit a separate response to the Contract Notice should the CCG decide to procure this service and publish a Contract Notice (advert) for this requirement.

The Commissioners will be holding a bidder information event on 20th June 2016 in Derbyshire (Venue to be confirmed). Please register your attendance by no later than 12pm (noon) 17th June 2016. Places are strictly limited therefore reservations are limited to no more than 2 persons per Organisation. You can express an interest in this market testing exercise and bidder information event by registering your organisation on the Bravo website: https://ardengemcsu.bravosolution.co.uk. The PQQ reference is PQQ_220.

Additional information: Once registered, please complete the questions in the qualification envelope which asks providers to give details about your organisation’s name and postal address, email address, contact name and number and your preference for attending a morning or afternoon bidder information event. Your response should also include capability and previous experience of delivering Audiology services.

The deadline for submitting a response for this market testing exercise is 12pm (noon) 17th June 2016.