Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages – Midlands only

Description

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England (referred to as the Authority), is inviting suitably qualified and experienced providers to respond to this Competitive Process for the provision of Provision of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Services for all ages (Midlands).<br/><br/>The service is due to commence on 1st October 2026.<br/><br/>As a result of this procurement exercise an agreement will be established with the successful bidder(s) for a period of 4 years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional 1 + 1 year(s) (maximum contract duration 6 years).<br/><br/>The deadline for submissions is 12.00pm (noon) on Monday 2nd February 2026. Lot 1: The service is commissioned in England for two specific indications in line with the service specification https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-services-all-ages-Service-specification-January-2025.pdf<br/><br/>The aim of the service is to provide timely access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) where clinically appropriate for those suffering from Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism. <br/><br/>Providers are to note that the centre must be located in and deliver services from within the defined geographical area of the Midlands.<br/><br/>Good practice guidelines set out optimal time to treatment of 6 hours from symptom onset. As such any service should be located within 4 hours road travelling time of the nearest coastline and 4 hours road travelling time from the nearest neighbouring commissioned provider. <br/><br/>The above aim will be achieved by: <br/><br/>• Providing 24 hours 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/>• Where appropriate, onward referral or discharge of patients who do not require HBOT treatment for Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism. <br/>• 24-hour access to HBOT where clinically appropriate. <br/>• HBOT delivered in facilities that are well maintained, comply with all relevant regulations, and follow best practice guidelines.<br/>• HBOT facilities are staffed with suitably qualified, experienced teams with skills that are actively maintained.<br/>• The delivery of care that is integrated with other services including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care, and other healthcare professionals as required. <br/>• 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/>• Engaging in relevant research and development of HBOT and actively engage in national audit and data collection for the HBOT service. <br/>• Working with relevant agencies and clinicians to support education and prevention initiatives.<br/><br/>Decompression Illness<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/>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/>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not routinely commissioned for other indications including:<br/>- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning<br/>- Necrotising soft tissue infections<br/>- Soft tissue radiation damage in patient with a history pelvic irradiation<br/>- Diabetic lower limb ulceration (diabetic foot ulcer)<br/><br/>For the avoidance of doubt this Competitive Process only relates to the provision of HBOT for Decompression Illness (DCI) or Gas Embolism.<br/><br/>Providers must be able to meet the requirements set out in this Competitive Process and deliver the contract in accordance with its terms.<br/><br/>To express interest and participate in the Competitive Process, please register and apply via Atamis esourcing portal https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome. Should Tenderers have any queries, or having problems using the portal, they should contact Helpdesk at: Phone: 0800 0988 201 E-mail: support-health@atamis.co.uk<br/><br/>The closing date for completed Competitive Process responses is 12:00pm (noon), on Monday 2nd February 2026.<br/><br/>Atamis Project reference: C396433<br/><br/>The contract duration is for 4 years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional 1 + 1 year(s) (maximum contract duration 6 years).<br/><br/>This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.<br/><br/>The decision maker of the award will be: NHS England.<br/><br/>The intention is to award a contract using the Competitive Process