Most Suitable Provider: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages

This is a notice of intention to make an award in respect of the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) Process for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages (Lot 1: North West and Lot 2: North East and Yorkshire). For the avoidance of doubt, this is an intention to award notice. A notice of the confirmation of the award of each contract will be issued once they are signed.

The service is commissioned in England for two specific indications in line with NHS England published Service Specification: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages). https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-services-all-ages-Service-specification-January-2025.pdf

The aim of the service is to deliver Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) where clinically appropriate for those suffering from Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.

The above aim will be achieved by: (a) Providing 24 hour a day access to specialist clinical assessment by a Hyperbaric physician for patients who have symptoms following diving or exposure to altered pressure environment, or who may have had gas enter their circulation by another mechanism (gas embolism). (b) Where appropriate, onward referral or discharge of patients who do not require HBOT treatment for Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism. (c) 24-hour access to HBOT where clinically appropriate. (d) HBOT delivered in facilities that are well maintained, comply with all relevant regulations, and follow best practice guidelines. (e) HBOT facilities are staffed with suitably qualified, experienced teams with skills that are actively maintained. (f) The delivery of care that is integrated with other services including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, and other healthcare professionals as required. (g) Wherever possible, supporting the return of the service user to their pre-injury level of function, including referral to return to diving assessment if appropriate. (h) Engaging in relevant research and development of HBOT and actively engage in national audit and data collection for the HBOT service. (i) Working with relevant agencies and clinicians to support education and prevention initiatives.

Decompression Illness Decompression illness arises from exposure to an altered pressure environment, most often from diving. There is a total of approximately 150 - 200 cases in England per year.

Gas embolism Cases of gas embolism arise from introduction of gas into a patient’s circulation, most often inadvertently during a medical procedure (iatrogenic gas embolism). There are currently approximately 10 cases in England per year.

The Commissioner intends to award contracts following the Most Suitable Process to 2 providers which are existing providers of this service.

The approximate lifetime value of the contract for both Lots is £13,887,945.

The services will start on 1st April 2026 and the initial period will run until 30th September 3030 with an option to extend for up to a further 1+1 years ( full contract term 6.5 years).