Audiology Services in the Eastern Locality of New Devon Clinical Commissioning Group

NHS NEW Devon and South Devon & Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group wishes to procure a Single Prime Provider model, as a test of change, to deliver the scope of audiology services as defined within the relevant service specification(s). This will include delivering both routine adult hearing and other, more complex audiological service provision for all adults and children requiring intervention and treatment for the registered Eastern population of NHS NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group.

The Provider will need to demonstrate that they are suitably established to provide the service in accordance with the requirements set out within each service specification(s). This will include providing adequate geographical coverage across the locality with suitable premises which comply with the specification. The Provider may wish to consider the need to formalise a sub-contracting arrangement to fulfil the requirements of each specification. The Prime Provider will be responsible for managing any sub-contracting arrangements, dependent upon authorisation by the CCG.

Alongside the procurement of a Single Prime Provider within the Eastern locality, the CCG's will also be continuing with the current provision of AQP routine adult hearing services and other audiological services within the Northern and Western localities of NHS NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group and South Devon & Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group for the registered populations in these localities

All Providers of routine provision will be required to comply with a standard AQP routine service specification. For those Providers delivering other audiological services other than routine adult hearing, an additional service specification setting out requirements for service provision will be developed and monitored as part of the contract management process. This will seek to establish a more consistent, equitable service across providers and localities of both CCG's.

The service model framework for the Eastern locality will incorporate all routine and complex audiology provision to both adults and children of all ages excluding only a small element of specialist audiology provision which will continue to be commissioned by NHS England.

The service will include provision for adults with suspected or diagnosed age related hearing loss which include hearing aid fitting (where required); follow-up and aftercare services for the registered population. In addition, the following conditions and pathways will be managed as part of the service:-

- Hearing aid and rehabilitation complications - Auditory Disability; Auditory Processing Disorders and Auditory Disynchrony - Assistive listening device management - Paediatric hearing testing - Paediatric hearing aid rehabilitation - Balance - diagnostic & rehabilitation - Hearing therapy - Tinnitus & Hyperacusis - Support to inpatient and outpatient services - Support to ENT

Additional information: We aim to carry out further consultation with relevant stakeholders to ensure we develop clear and consistent service pathway provision. This will continue throughout the procurement process.

This Prior Information Notice is for information only. No expression of interest is required at this stage. The intention is to publish a Contract Notice for these services in April 2018.

The services are healthcare services falling within Schedule 3 to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ('the Regulations') which are not subject to the full regime of the Regulations, but is instead governed by the 'Light Touch Regime' contained within Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Regulations (Regulations 74 to 77).

Any tendering process will be conducted in accordance with the requirements and flexibilities provided by Articles 74 to 76 of the Directive, and Regulations 74 to 76 of the Regulations. The Authority will run a transparent tender process, treating all Bidders equally. For the avoidance of doubt, the Authority will not be bound by the Regulations or the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union or any other regulations or legislation except for the specific parts or circumstances that apply to the procurement of these Services.

Neither the inclusion of a Bidder selection stage, nor the use of any language or terms found in the Directive or Regulations, nor the description of the procedure voluntarily adopted by the Authority ('Open', 'Restricted', 'Competitive Procedure with Negotiation', 'Competitive Dialogue' or any other description), nor any other indication, shall be taken to mean that the Authority intends to hold itself bound by the Directive or Regulations, save by the provisions applicable to services coming within the scope of Annex XIV of the Directive / Schedule 3 of the Regulations.