Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services - On the Day, Patient Discharge and (inter hospital) Transfer Activity to Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

Commissioners within the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care System have explored their options for the provision of Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (NEPTS) for the population registered with a General Practice within the locality. The services were reviewed in 3 distinct categories:

1. Haemodialysis Car Service
2. Planned NEPTS
3. Patient Discharge and (inter-hospital) Transfers

Through their appraisal of services, the Commissioners agreed that the Haemodialysis Car Service and Planned NEPTS would be contracted by NHS BNSSG ICB. This procurement process has been advertised and tenders were submitted on or before 12:00 midday on 17th April 2023. The contract commencement for these services will be 1st April 2024 at the expiration of the current contract.

A further agreement was reach which will result in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (BNSSG ICB) appointing University Hospital Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW NHS Foundation Trust) as the Co-ordinating Lead Commissioner with the responsibility of procuring and managing the third element: On the day journeys, Patient Discharge and (inter-hospital) Transfers. The procurement will be carried out by UHBW NHS Foundation Trust, and supported by North Bristol NHS Trust, on behalf of BNSSG ICB, for the Integrated Care System. The expectation is that a procurement exercise will be undertaken for contract commencement of 1st April 2024 (following the expiry of the current NEPTS contract). The successful provider for the Patient Discharge and (inter-hospital) Transfers will contract directly with UHBW NHS Foundation Trust, through a sub-contract arrangement, via the NHS Standard Contract. The duration of the agreement will be for any period up to 60 months, with an option to extend up to a further 24 months at the discretion of the Commissioners.