NHS Dorset ICB - Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) Discharges, enhanced priority, HDU, and 'on-the-day' activity

NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (Dorset ICB) are seeking the provision of Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) for Discharges, enhanced priority, HDU, and 'on-the-day' activity. The service is to be responsive and organised to meet people's needs. This includes service planning and delivery to meet the requirements of local people and their individual needs in accessing care and treatment flow in a timely way. Health systems suffer alongside Service Users if transport is delayed: o Creating disruption and unnecessary cost. o Holding back the use of beds for others who need them. o Undermining a Service User's continued recovery and wellbeing during discharge. The NEPT Service promotes access to healthcare provision through an NHS funded transport service for those patients registered with a GP in NHS Dorset meeting the eligibility criteria as set down by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Including vulnerable people by reason of mental health or learning disability, children, and eligible escorts. It is therefore a requirement that journeys must comply with eligibility/access criteria contained within the Service Specification and the NHS Dorset Eligibility Criteria Framework Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (NEPTS). As such, a Service User's need will determine the required vehicle, crew, and any escort/s. Full details including specification, activity, scope and requirements can be found within the procurement documentation. The Contract will be for an initial term of 5 years, with an option to extend for any period up to a further 2 years, as defined and at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. Services are scheduled to commence on 27th April 2024. The budget is £1,623,566 inclusive of VAT per annum which would give a total contract value of £11,364,961 inclusive of VAT, over 7 years if the full contract term is fulfilled. This procurement is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.