Somerset CCG - Integrated Urgent Care

Tender description

In 2018, NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (SICB) formerly known as Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group procured an Integrated Urgent Care Service (IUCS) for patients registered with a general practice in Somerset following a competitive procedure which was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (2018/S 083-187661). The IUCS contract (the Contract) was awarded to Devon Doctors Ltd (DDL) and included the delivery of NHS 111 services which were initially delivered by DDL's sub-contractor. The Contract was awarded to DDL and commenced in February 2019 with an initial term of 61 months running to 31 March 2024, with the option to extend for up to 60 months at the discretion of the commissioner. From contract commencement, DDL subcontracted the NHS 111 element of the service delivery to CareUK (now known as Practice Plus Group Urgent Care Limited (PPG)). In September 2022, SICB approved a proposal from DDL to terminate the above sub-contract and to deliver the NHS 111 services directly itself. SICB varied the contract on 16 February 2023 to reflect the above, which takes effect from 30 March 2023 onwards. The contract variation does not amount to a material change to the IUCS Contract (that would necessitate prior advertisement) for the following reasons: • The IUCS contract (including the NHS 111 services) was awarded to DDL and will continue to be delivered by DDL. • There is no change to the essential contract terms; for example, there is no change to the service delivery model, the service specification (which is in any event a standard NHS document relevant for services of this nature) nor the contract price/value. The obligations on Devon Doctors remain unchanged. • The only change is that the organisation delivering the NHS 111 element of the services on the ground will be the lead contractor, DDL, as opposed to its sub-contractor. As such, the overall nature / character of the contract has not changed and there is no extension in scope. • The change is cost neutral. There is no change in the economic balance of the contract and further, the change is below the thresholds stipulated in Regulation 72(5) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ("the Regulations"). • SICB does not consider that the change introduces conditions which would have altered the outcome nor any stage of the initial procurement procedure. • As such the change is not substantial under Regulation 72(8) and further falls within the "de minimis" thresholds set out in Regulation 72(5). The services in any event fall within Schedule 3 of the Regulations and as such are not subject to the full regime of the PCR 2015 but are instead governed by the "Light Touch Regime" contained within Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Regulations. References to Regulation 72 above are therefore by way of analogy only. This Contract Award Notice is published on a purely voluntary basis to promote transparency about the above variation to the Contract. Additional information: The services are healthcare services falling within Schedule 3 to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ("the Regulations") which are not subject to the full regime of the Regulations but are instead governed by the "Light Touch Regime" contained within Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Regulations (Regulations 74 to 77). The original tendering process was conducted in accordance with the requirements and flexibilities provided by Articles 74 to 76 of the Directive, and Regulations 74 to 76 of the Regulations. The Authority ran a transparent tender process, treating all Bidders equally. For the avoidance of doubt, the Authority will not be bound by the Regulations or the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union or any other regulations or legislation except for the specific parts or circumstances that apply to the procurement of these Services.