Commissioning support framework floated

NHS England is looking to develop a framework contract for commissioning support services.

A prior information notice issued by NHS England says it wants to engage with organisations interested in buying and providing commissioning support services.

“NHS England would like to present its ideas in relation to commissioning support services and listen to feedback from commissioners and providers,” the OJEU notice says.

The framework contract would potentially cover services such as data capture, management and integration, business intelligence and analytical services. Also, website management and patient consultation.

Procurement services would include support for commissioning strategy, health needs assessment and forecasting, market management, end to end healthcare procurement, contract and performance management.

Clinical support services would include complex case management, medicines management and prescribing services, while transformational support would involve management and implementation of service redesign, specific clinical service change and pathway redesign.

The likely customers of the services on the framework would be clinical commissioning groups, NHS England and other NHS and public sector health organisations.

The PIN says the first opportunity to engage with NHS England about the proposal will be at the Commissioning Show on 12 and 13 June in London. There will be further engagement in June and July.

“This engagement may inform the strategy for future procurement activity for framework agreements/contracts,” the notice says.

“Any potential framework agreement may be split into lots, to be determined.”