Pharmacy Services (Physical Health, Mental Health and Learning Disability)

The Authority would like to engage with potential providers to explore the delivery of Pharmacy Services across Physical Health, Mental Health, and Learning Disability Services for Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

>> Physical Health Services

The Trust provides a broad range of Physical Health Services across all age groups. These services include inpatient care, minor injuries management, and a wide spectrum of specialist community services. Many of these are delivered through 6 community hospitals; however, care is also offered within other community venues where this may be more convenient and accessible to patients. Wherever possible, the Trust prioritises supporting people within their own homes or as close to home as feasible, ensuring care is delivered in the most patient-centred manner.

>> Mental Health and Learning Disability Services

The Trust provides Mental Health (MH) and Learning Disability (LD) services across all age groups, encompassing both inpatient and community-based care. Acute MH and LD inpatient services are delivered from 13 units across 5 sites within the county, supported by an extensive network of community services comprising 22 dedicated MH and LD teams. Pharmacy support for these services includes the provision and dispensing of medicines to both inpatient and community settings.

>> Pre-Market Engagement

This Pre-Market Engagement aims to understand the market’s capacity, capability, and interest in providing these services. We are looking to learn more about what potential providers can offer and to shape our thinking before making any decisions about the future service model.

The feedback received will help the Authority decide on the best way forward, including whether there is sufficient market interest. In the absence of responses, we may reasonably conclude that there is limited provider capability or appetite for this opportunity.

This is an opportunity for potential providers to share their views and experience to help us plan effectively for the provision of these services, by responding to the pre-market engagement questionnaire.

>> Procurement Process

Although this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice has been issued under the Procurement Act 2023, this does not represent a commitment that any subsequent procurement process, should one be undertaken, will necessarily be governed and conducted under the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 (including the Light Touch Regime). Depending on decisions regarding the future service model, any subsequent procurement may fall under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) regulations. It is also possible that different elements of service provision, such as Physical Health and Mental Health services, could be governed by different legislative frameworks (e.g. Physical Health under PA23 and Mental Health under PSR).

Further details are available form the Pre-Market Engagement Information Pack available to download from Atamis.