West Lancashire community services tender

Last summer NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS West Lancashire CCG agreed to tender the adult community services that have been provided by the Trust since 2011.

The services were split into three lots for which both NHS and private sector providers could bid:

• Integrated community services for Southport and Formby
• Integrated community service for West Lancashire
• GP out of hours, walk-in services and acute visiting in West Lancashire

The first stage of the tender process is called the pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ). It is a shortlisting tool used to check the bidding organisation’s credentials as a healthcare provider. The Trust submitted its PQQs by the January deadline.

Southport and Formby CCG is still considering our submission; however, NHS West Lancashire CCG announced today that the Trust was unsuccessful in clearing this stage.

Details of the successful organisations, which include private providers Optum Health Solutions and Virgin Care Services, are published on the CCG’s website.

Interim Chief Executive Ann Marr said: “This is a very disappointing decision.  Our community-based staff provide excellent care to patients in their homes and in clinics every day of the week.  The Trust very much values their hard work and commitment, and patient satisfaction is high.

“We have ambitious plans to add new services, which would completely transform the way that care is delivered in our community, and provide services more tailored to patients’ needs.  We will seek clarification about why the CCG has chosen not to support this model of innovative, integrated care.”

A decision on the PQQ for NHS Southport and Formby CCG’s integrated community services is due to be announced in April. This is a separate process unconnected to the West Lancashire decision.