Pipeline Framework: Audiology Services in the Eastern Locality of New Devon Clinical Commissioning Group

A pipeline has been launched for Audiology Services in the Eastern Locality of New Devon Clinical Commissioning Group.The contract start Date is01 June 2019. Approach to market date is 02 April 2018.NHS NEW Devon and South Devon & Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group wishes to procure a Single Prime Provider model, as a test of change, to deliver the scope of audiology services as defined within the relevant service specification(s). This will include delivering both routine adult hearing and other, more complex audiological service provision for all adults and children requiring intervention and treatment for the registered Eastern population of NHS NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group. The Provider will need to demonstrate that they are suitably established to provide the service in accordance with the requirements set out within each service specification(s). This will include providing adequate geographical coverage across the locality with suitable premises which comply with the specification. The Provider may wish to consider the need to formalise a sub-contracting arrangement to fulfil the requirements of each specification. The Prime Provider will be responsible for managing any sub-contracting arrangements, dependent upon authorisation by the CCG.Alongside the procurement of a Single Prime Provider within the Eastern locality, the CCG’s will also be continuing with the current provision of AQP routine adult hearing services and other audiological services within the Northern and Western localities of NHS NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group and South Devon & Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group for the registered populations in these localities All Providers of routine provision will be required to comply with a standard AQP routine service specification. For those Providers delivering other audiological services other than routine adult hearing, an additional service specification setting out requirements for service provision will be developed and monitored as part of the contract management process. This will seek to establish a more consistent, equitable service across providers and localities of both CCG’s.The service model framework for the Eastern locality will incorporate all routine and complex audiology provision to both adults and children of all ages excluding only a small element of specialist audiology provision which will continue to be commissioned by NHS England. The service will include provision for adults with suspected or diagnosed age related hearing loss which include hearing aid fitting (where required); follow-up and aftercare services for the registered population. In addition, the following conditions and pathways will be managed as part of the service:- Hearing aid and rehabilitation complicationsAuditory Disability; Auditory Processing Disorders and Auditory DisynchronyAssistive listening device managementPaediatric hearing testing Paediatric hearing aid rehabilitationBalance – diagnostic & rehabilitationHearing therapyTinnitus & HyperacusisSupport to inpatient and outpatient servicesSupport to ENTThis is a potential opportunity from the government, and the pipeline gives advance notice of an opportunity that might be offered by the public sector in the future – allowing potential suppliers to plan accordingly. When a public sector organisation publishes a pipeline notice, it does not necessarily mean that an opportunity will be offered in the future.For more information contact: Mark Harding. SOUTH PLAZA, BRISTOL, BS13NX, England. Email: SCWCSU.clinical.procurement@nhs.net.