The UK Department of Health has published an advert in the Official Journal of the European Commission (OJEC) for prime contractors to deliver the National Implementation Programme for the national NHS IT programme: Delivering 21st Century IT Support for the NHS.
The advert, which was placed just ahead of Christmas, guaranteed that many would-be prime contractors had an unexpectedly busy Christmas vacation preparing their responses. Interested parties must initially complete a questionnaire, which must be returned by 10 January.
Interested parties are invited to respond to fulfil any role within the provision of the National Implementation Programme, including the provision of Integrated Care Records Service (ICRS), infrastructure and ‘other’ applications.
According to the advert award procedures are estimated to begin in spring 2003, with work starting in autumn 2003.
Prime contractors will be expected to provide strong programme and project management support for the programme. The advert also states that parties interested in fulfilling the role of prime contractors may be invited to explore the implementation process and other facets of the strategy, though it adds this will not confer any advantage in any ensuing procurement.
The advert notes that the primary objective of the strategy is to support the delivery of a patient-centred NHS, support the planning and delivery of care across the continuum of care, support the implementation of National Service Frameworks, facilitate the implementation of clinical governance and improve the patient experience.
Significantly the advert does not specify the terms of financing and payment, simply stating that ‘the National Programme is currently considering a number of methods for financing, funding and payments’.
The National Programme office is also currently undertaking research into the current market and its capacity.
Further information can be obtained from NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency, Premier House, 60 Caversham Road, UK-Reading RG1 7EB. Tel.: (01 18) 980 86 16. Fax: (01 18) 980 88 02.