Market Engagement for the Provision of NHS Practitioner Health (NHSPH)

Tender description

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGEM CSU) are undertaking a market engagement exercise on behalf of NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI), in the form of a soft market testing questionnaire to gain market interest and feedback from experienced organisations that provide clinical assessment and treatment services to health and social care staff who are experiencing complex mental health and/or addiction issues. NHS Practitioner Health (NHSPH) was commissioned in 2016 to provide free and confidential mental health assessment and treatment services for health professionals (as patients) with complex needs, and with the current contract due to end March 2022, we are considering our options to appoint a new contract from April 2022 for 2 years until 2024, with the option to extend for further 2 years until 2026. NHSPH operates in a unique space where there is a crossover between the professional and regulatory environment in which a clinician or health professional works, and their mental health treatment needs. NHSPH expertise lies in managing the confidentiality associated with accessing health care, taking responsibility for the safety of the patient accessing NHSPH but also the professional and patient responsibilities and risks associated with a health professional’s role. NHSPH’s understanding and experience are in the mental health presentation of health professionals, especially where this is a high risk of suicide, and the specialist support they may require to return to safe, effective practice. More information about NHSPH, its objectives and how it operates can be found in the attachments and NHSPH’s website: https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/ NHSPH will operate alongside local staff Mental health and wellbeing Hubs which will support the majority of health and social care staff mental health needs. A small number of health professionals may require more complex support which cannot be met by the hubs.