NHS Partnership Commissioning Unit - Provision of an Adult Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment and Diagnostic Service

Tender description

The Partnership Commissioning Unit (PCU) are working on behalf of NHS Vale of York CCG, NHS Harrogate and Rural District, NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG and NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG, to develop a new Adult Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessment and diagnosis service. The PCU wishes to encourage a wide and varied market from small local services to those of much larger scale, and from all relevant sectors. This client group has become a priority for local Clinical Commissioning Groups through consistent feedback and engagement, most recently through the Discover! programme. Recent research also indicates that patients with Autism spectrum disorders and ADHD cost society more than cancer, diabetes and heart disease combined. The rate of referrals is increasing as growing awareness is developing about ADHD and ASD following the publication of the 2010 Autism Act and recent THINK Autism policy guidance. For young people who may have received a diagnosis of ADHD in childhood, ongoing issues in managing their condition can require further assessment and advice in adulthood. The PCU wishes to establish a single Provider contract for the provisions of Services; however subcontracting arrangements will be permitted to allow care close to home or to reduce waiting times for patients. The provider will be expected to cover a large geographical area, and provide a service that supports the wider NHS and social care pathway for people with ADHD and autism. Working with partners is a key objective for the local Commissioning Organisations, to develop a local pathway for ADHD and autism, including focus on autism and ADHD. The service commencement date is 1 December 2015 for a duration of 2 years with the option to extend for a further 1 year.