Hepatitis C National Testing Portal

Tender description

The Hepatitis C programme is aiming to achieve elimination in England by the WHO target of 2030 and has a UK government ambition to achieve this by 2025. There are 22 Operational Delivery Networks (ODNs) covering England who are responsible for case finding and treating people with Hepatitis C. At risk groups have been identified and are being prioritised for remote (at home) testing and treatment services. , However they all have different user needs, digital capability and understanding of Hepatitis C. These groups need to be able to order tests, receive results, treatment and have any at risk contacts traced to prevent spread of infection. In order to ensure these user groups receive testing in a timely manner, a discovery needs to be undertaken and different solutions need to be designed and tested Lot 1: The following service is to be procured:a) Web portal to allow people at risk to order a postal HCV test, with lab processing and results notification system. b) Clinic booking via the web portal to allow Hepatitis C positive people to access treatment (includes community outreach clinics and van visits). c) Contact tracing i) to allow people to anonymously notify others via the portal that they have been inadvertently exposed e.g. by autogenerated text and e-mail ii) by suitably experienced members of staff gathering contacts from the person diagnosed with Hepatitis C and following up the ‘contacts’ to offer Hepatitis C screening within a set protocol (e.g. 4 attempts to contact over 2 months) Ideally one company is required to support all 3 elements and will be required to have: 1) Digital capability to produce and manage the web site content and electronic ordering process for the HCV testing. 2) A robust process to procure and post the HCV tests. 3) Contracts in place with a suitable laboratory who can deliver turnaround times for the HCV testing of 72 hours. 4) Digital capability to support the clinic booking software and capacity to liaise with 22 ODNs (NHS Trusts) who will have a range of existing clinic software.5) Existing experience in contact tracing methodology and expertise.6) Capability to produce weekly key performance metrics e.g. number of people ordering swabs, numbers sent out, numbers positive and negative in the laboratory, number of anonymous contacts sent, number of people utilising contact tracing, etc. 7) Extensive knowledge and experience of BBV infectious diseases as a minimum a company who can offer HCV antibody testing is acceptable with lab processing. Additional information: NHS England are seeking Expressions of Interest from Suppliers capable of meeting the requirement as part of development of the procurement strategy.Please register your interest by registering on the NHS England Atamis Portal by 12pm on Monday 6th September.Further detail on how to use the portal is provided below.