Community Cardiology Service

The COVID-19 outbreak has given rise to an urgent need for provision Community Cardiology Services via a new short term contract (effectively continuing existing service provision). The Community Cardiology Services delivered by South Hampshire Primary Care Alliance and The Grange Cardiology Service have been working together to pilot treatment and diagnostics to low risk patients in the community setting so that secondary care cardiology services can focus on high risk patients and complex care. Due in large part to the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which has significantly delayed plans to test the model to inform future commissioning intentions for this service, it is necessary to extend the current arrangement. Under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, the Contracting Authority considers COVID-19 to be a state of urgency that has been brought about by circumstances which a diligent contracting authority could not have foreseen. A response to the pandemic is therefore required in order to safeguard public health risks and risk to life by securing safe and continued service provision. Accordingly, NHS South Eastern Hampshire and Fareham and Gosport CCGs has decided to enter into a contract with South Hampshire Primary Care Alliance and The Grange Cardiology Service using the 'competitive procedure without prior publication for reasons of extreme urgency' (Reg 32(2)(c) PCR 2015), brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak, for the following reasons: • To maintain service delivery and continuity during and after the Covid-19 response. • A change of provider would disrupt continuity and would be to the detriment of patient care and the local health system, noting that exit and mobilisation periods are a key consideration for robust strategic planning. • Resources in the contracting authority/provider have been redirected to support frontline activities including direct care for patients and efforts to support supply chain activities. Additional time will allow the Contracting Authority the time required to determine what role the community services will play in the cardiology pathway going forward, confirm true activity levels, benefits of the service and a proposed future model with clearly defined pathways. It will also ensure continuity of service whilst the proposed direction of travel for the service is finalised. Further justification is supported by guidance issued by the Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Note - Responding to Covid -19 PPN01/20 and PPN01/21. This PCR Regulation 32 Contract Award notice is being published to notify the award of the contract for 12 months with an option to extend for a further 6 month period from 1st April 2021. This time is considered necessary and proportional to alleviate the risk posed by the outbreak and, will give the above named Contracting Authority sufficient time to comply with undertaking a compliant competitive procurement process under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The value of this award is £447,849 for 18 months ie 12+6 months. (South Hampshire Primary Care Alliance £221,274 & The Grange Cardiology Service £226,575) for the population of Fareham & Gosport and South Eastern Hampshire CCGs.