Dermatology services

Tender description

The above-named NHS commissioning bodies were seeking to jointly procure a community dermatology service to deliver a high-quality, consultant-led service for all patients across Worcestershire in community settings. This will enable patients to receive care closer to home which will in turn improve patient access and enhance patient experience. National guidance for healthcare commissioners regarding dermatology services states that appropriate levels of care should be commissioned to provide integrated community and acute levels of service, and that some patients may be seen in 'intermediate care' clinics staffed by healthcare professionals working in community settings. Such clinics may be staffed by consultant dermatologists, specialty and associate doctors, general practitioners with special interests or specialist dermatology nurses, but new services should be developed in partnership with secondary care. The above-named NHS commissioning bodies jointly procured a community dermatology service to deliver a high-quality, consultant-led service for all patients across Worcestershire in community settings. This will enable patients to receive care closer to home and will improve patient access and enhance patient experience. A key aim of the new service will be the future provision of high quality, effective care that is patient focused and will be achieved through collaborative and multi-disciplinary working across Worcestershire. The Worcestershire Consultant-Led Community Dermatology Service will work in close collaboration with secondary care providers and GP colleagues; excellent communications between providers will support service delivery. Working with GP colleagues will help to increase knowledge and confidence for further management of long-term conditions in primary care. The Worcestershire Consultant-Led Community Dermatology Service will be provided across a number of locations across Worcestershire, all locations will be capable of providing all elements of the service. The various locations will provide equitable access for patients across Worcestershire. The Service will include a full tele-dermatology service (i.e. where it is offered as an alternative for a face-face appointment). The commissioning bodies have awarded one contract. The contract duration will be 2 years, with the option to extend for a further 1 year, subject to agreement. The new service will commence on the 1.4.2020. The contract value stated at II.1.7) and at V.2.4) is the maximum estimated total lifetime cost of the contract should the optional extension be used. NHS Standard terms and conditions shall apply.