Central Norfolk Community Complementary Therapy Primary Care led Lymphoedema Service Ref: 0AQ/ANGPROC/17/008

Tender description

NHS Norwich CCG (Co-ordinating Commissioner), with NHS North & South Norfolk CCGs are looking to commission a locally provided Complementary Primary Care led Lymphoedema Service to improve access, promote early intervention, limit disease progression, reduce need for time-intensive therapy, lower cellulitis hospital admission rates. The scope covers patients registered with NHS Norwich, North Norfolk and South Norfolk CCGs. The new contract will commence 1 April 2018 under the NHS Standard Contract for a 3 year term. Service Aims: Service User focused to improve patient experience/ outcomes, support independence, improve quality of life for those living with and beyond cancer/ cancer treatment, and for those with Lymphoedema where lymphatic failure is a result of an otherwise normal lymphatic system, adaptable to local needs, prevent admission to hospital based care. The proposed service will release outpatient capacity and reduce the number and duration of hospital admissions or attendances for complications of Lymphoedema. The current Lymphoedema Service pilot commenced November 2016 offering Lymphoedema treatment and self-care advice by a team of Complementary Therapists, non-registered staff trained to British Lymphology Society (BLS) standards in treatment/ management of Lymphoedema including measuring and fitting of hosiery, and lymphatic drainage. The Commissioners intend to commission a Complementary Primary Care led Lymphoedema Service with a provider who will work with the CCGs and local health system to provide an easily accessible service that improves equity of access, promotes early intervention, limits disease progression, reduces the need for time-consuming intensive therapy, and lowers hospital admission rates for cellulitis. Locally delivered, the scope will cover those registered with practices within the stated CCG localities, focusing on prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Lymphoedema to deliver a service that is Service User focused, adaptable to local needs and delivers on prevention of admission to hospital based care, clinical effectiveness outcomes and supports independence of the individual. The service will not cover children and young people (0-16 years of age) who will be seen within child specific services. Patients presenting with active cellulitis or an open wound will also be out of scope. The NHS must develop new ways of delivering care to consider changing needs of patients. It must improve productivity and efficiency in order to bridge an estimated financial gap. NHS organisations need to work with the local system to break down barriers between services, tackle waste and variations in care. Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) are place-based plans for improving health and care services, that set out how the NHS five year forward view will be delivered locally.