Market Engagement Exercise: for the provision of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages)

Tender description

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability of potential providers within this specialised area. <br/><br/>This notice is to advise prospective providers in the market of the commissioner’s intention to commission this service and to provide an opportunity to engage with and participate in a market engagement questionnaire. <br/><br/>The outcome of this market engagement will help inform commissioners of the current and future capacity and capability of the market and will be considered to inform the commissioning approach. <br/><br/>Participation to this market engagement will close at 12pm (noon), 4 October 2024. Lot 1: NHS England would like to identify providers who are interested in the provision of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages). <br/><br/>The service is commissioned in England for two specific indications in line with NHS England » Clinical commissioning policy: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for decompression illness/gas embolism (all ages). <br/><br/>The aim of the service is to deliver Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) where clinically appropriate for those suffering from Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism. <br/><br/>The above aim will be achieved by: <br/>(a) Providing 24 hour a day access to specialist clinical assessment by a Hyperbaric physician for patients who have symptoms following diving or exposure to altered pressure environment, or who may have had gas enter their circulation by another mechanism (gas embolism). <br/><br/>(b) Where appropriate, onward referral or discharge of patients who do not require HBOT treatment for Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism. <br/><br/>(c) 24-hour access to HBOT where clinically appropriate. <br/><br/>(d) HBOT delivered in facilities that are well maintained, comply with all relevant regulations, and follow best practice guidelines. <br/><br/>(e) HBOT facilities are staffed with suitably qualified, experienced teams with skills that are actively maintained. <br/><br/>(f) The delivery of care that is integrated with other services including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, and other healthcare professionals as required. <br/><br/>(g) Wherever possible, supporting the return of the service user to their pre-injury level of function, including referral to return to diving assessment if appropriate. <br/><br/>(h) Engaging in relevant research and development of HBOT and actively engage in national audit and data collection for the HBOT service. <br/><br/>(i) Working with relevant agencies and clinicians to support education and prevention initiatives. <br/><br/>Decompression Illness <br/><br/>Decompression illness arises from exposure to an altered pressure environment, most often from diving. The geographical distribution of cases of decompression illness is determined by the local level of diving activity, and is concentrated around coastal areas, inland expanses of water and the locations of residence of the divers. Airports provide a significant minority of patients usually returning from a diving trip overseas. There is a total of approximately 150 - 200 cases in England per year. <br/><br/>Gas embolism <br/><br/>Cases of gas embolism arise from introduction of gas into a patient’s circulation, most often inadvertently during a medical procedure (iatrogenic gas embolism). There are currently approximately 10 cases in England per year. However, this may be an underestimate of the number of actual cases. <br/><br/>The anticipated contract duration for this service is 3 years, with the Commissioner having the option to extend the contract up to a further 1 + 1 year(s) (maximum contract duration 5 years). <br/><br/>Documentation relating to this exercise including a questionnaire is available through the Atamis (Health Family) portal. To register your interest and access the questionnaire, please follow this link to the Atamis (HealthFamily) portal: https://healthfamily. force.com/s/Welcome. <br/><br/>The project reference is C303257 and the closing date for submission of the completed questionnaire is: 12pm (noon) 4 October 2024.