Specialist MSK and Persistent Pain Service (SMSK)

The COVID-19 outbreak has given rise to an urgent need for provision Specialist MSK & Persistent Pain Service (SMSK) via a new short term contract (effectively continuing existing service provision). The Specialist MSK & Persistent Pain Service (SMSK) delivered by Solent NHS Trust provides specialist musculoskeletal and persistent pain pathways to the population of Fareham & Gosport and South Eastern Hampshire CCGs as an integrated service model. The service consists of two main elements: • The Specialist MSK Service is ESP led and offers triage and specialist assessment followed by an individually tailored time limited treatment plan including injections • The Persistent Pain Service is AHP led and offers a triage facility followed by time limited group treatment with the aim of allowing patients to improve their quality of life and functional status through self-reliance in managing their persistent pain. The CCGs strategy is to conclude a major service review and re-design to modernise the existing MSK provision with a view to streamlining the pathway, this includes a review of alternative models and smarter ways of accessing services including the increased use of digital alternatives where clinically appropriate. At this stage, the role of the SMSK service and pathway re-design has not been finalised, due in large part to the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which has significantly delayed plans. 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 Solent NHS Trust 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 how the MSK pathway will look going forward and what role the SMSK service will play in ensuring patient need, quality and efficiency are maintained. 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 6 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 £1,622,00 for 12 months ie 6+6 months.