CT-Guided Biopsy Diagnostic Capacity Support Service

Tender description

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust intends to award a contract for the provision of additional CT-guided biopsy capacity to support timely diagnosis and treatment pathways. The service includes CT-guided biopsy procedures, consultant-led intervention, histopathology support and associated diagnostic services. The Trust has undertaken the Most Suitable Provider Process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 and has identified the provider as the most suitable provider having regard to the key criteria. This notice serves as an intention to award a contract under the Most Suitable Provider Process. Lot 1: East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust intends to award a contract under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 using the Most Suitable Provider Process. The contract is for the provision of specialist CT-guided biopsy capacity to support respiratory, lung cancer and diagnostic pathways. Services include consultant-led CT-guided biopsy procedures, imaging support, sedation where clinically indicated, biopsy acquisition, histopathology processing and associated administration arrangements. The service will be delivered by HCA International Ltd. through London Bridge Hospital. This is a new diagnostic capacity arrangement intended to support patients requiring specialist CT-guided biopsy procedures where additional capacity is required. The provider has offered a fully outsourced walk-in, walk-out package inclusive of consultant radiologist fees, sedation, intraoperative imaging support and histopathology services. The immediate requirement relates to an initial cohort of approximately 15 patients requiring CT-guided biopsy procedures. The Trust may require additional activity during the contract period to support respiratory and lung cancer diagnostic pathways, waiting list management and diagnostic recovery requirements. The contract has therefore been structured to provide access to additional capacity should further referrals be required during the contract term. The approximate lifetime value of the contract is £250,000 excluding VAT. The initial service period is anticipated to run from contract award until 31 March 2027. This notice constitutes an intention to award a contract under the Most Suitable Provider Process. Additional information: The Trust identified HCA International Ltd as the most suitable provider. The service will be delivered through London Bridge Hospital, providing access to specialist CT-guided biopsy expertise and additional diagnostic capacity. The provider demonstrated the ability to provide consultant-led CT-guided biopsy procedures, associated pathology services and access to specialist facilities capable of supporting the Trust's respiratory and lung cancer diagnostic pathways. The Trust considered clinical capability, patient outcomes, quality, operational capacity, service continuity and value in reaching its decision. The provider demonstrated the ability to mobilise rapidly and support diagnostic pathway resilience where additional CT-guided biopsy capacity is required. Whilst the immediate requirement relates to approximately 15 patients, the Trust anticipates that further activity may be required during the contract period and has therefore included flexibility within the proposed arrangement to support future pathway demand. Having regard to the statutory key criteria, HCA International Ltd. was assessed as the most suitable provider capable of delivering the required specialist service within the required timescales.